Before you tour homes, especially off-market, get clear on three things: budget, timeline, and your must-haves.
Start with financing: talk to a lender, understand your comfortable payment range, and get a pre-approval when possible.
Next, define your non-negotiables: number of bedrooms, commute, lot size, school preferences, and neighborhood feel.
Finally, plan your offer strategy: understand closing costs, inspection timelines, and what you will do if repairs come up.
A good agent should help you compare options objectively and avoid rushing into a home that does not feel right.