The Very First Step to Buying a Home (Hint: It’s Not Zillow)

The Very First Step to Buying a Home (Hint: It’s Not Zillow)

If you’re thinking about buying a home, chances are the first thing you’ve done is open Zillow.

And listen—that makes total sense.
That’s what everyone does.

But here’s the part that surprises people:

Zillow isn’t the first step.
And starting there can actually make the process more confusing—and more stressful—than it needs to be.

Let’s talk about why.

Why Zillow Feels Like Progress (But Isn’t)

Zillow is essentially an aggregator.
It pulls listings from multiple sources and puts them in one place.

It’s fun.
It feels productive.
It feels like you’re “doing something.”

But Zillow is also a business.

The moment you start clicking around, your activity is tracked—and your information can be sold as a lead to agents who pay to contact you.

That’s why so many buyers experience this:

“Hey! I saw you were looking at homes—are you ready to tour?”

Some of those people are great.
Some are pushy.
Most are trying to start a conversation—not guide you through the process the right way.

And that’s where stress creeps in.

The Real First Step: Understanding Your Numbers

The first step to buying a home isn’t looking at houses.

It’s understanding your numbers.

Not in a scary way.
Not in a “you need to be perfect” way.
Just in a clear, grounded, honest way.

Before you fall in love with:

• the kitchen

• the backyard

• or that charming front porch

You need to know three things:

1. What price range actually fits your life

2. What your monthly payment would really feel like

3. What options are truly available to you

Because when buyers start with Zillow first, one of three things usually happens:

• They fall in love with homes that don’t match their budget

• They assume they can’t afford anything—when they actually can

• They waste weeks looking, only to find out one small change would’ve qualified them

That frustration?
Completely avoidable.

Why Your First Call Should Be With a Lender

Not because we’re trying to “sell you a loan.”

But because we help you get clarity—fast.

That first conversation is what I call a Buyer Clarity Session.
It replaces guessing with planning.

Here’s what we actually cover:

1️⃣ Your Goal & Timeline

Buying in 30 days?
Three months?
Later this year?
Just exploring?

All are fine. We just need to know where you are.

2️⃣ Your Income Basics

Salary, hourly, commission, self-employed, overtime—
How you’re paid affects how your approval is structured.

No judgment. Just strategy.

3️⃣ Your Monthly Comfort Zone

Approved and comfortable are not the same thing.

We talk about what payment fits real life—groceries, kids, bills, everything.

4️⃣ Your Savings & Game Plan

Not just “how much do you have,” but:

• Do you want reserves?

• Do you need low money out of pocket?

• Do you qualify for zero or low down options?

• Are gift funds involved?

5️⃣ Your Credit Snapshot

Some people know their score.
Some don’t.
Some are afraid to look.

Either way, we focus on what actually matters—and the next realistic step.

And here’s the best part:

Even if you’re not ready today, you leave with a plan.

Clarity Comes Before Contracts

The goal at the beginning isn’t commitment.

It’s clarity.

This first call isn’t pressure.
It’s not a contract.
It’s not a sales pitch.

It’s simply understanding you first—so everything else makes sense.

Because when you know your numbers:

• Zillow becomes a tool—not a trap

• You know what fits

• You know what to ignore

• You know what’s worth pursuing

Ready to Start the Right Way?

Before you scroll listings for three more hours tonight—pause.

Start with clarity.

👉 Download our free 90-Day Path to Homeownership and schedule your Buyer Consult here

Download our Free Homebuyer Guide

Book a Strategy Call today!

Even if buying is months away, you’ll know your next best step.

Clarity comes before contracts.
Confidence comes before keys.