Before making that first phone call to an agent, consider these tips

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Due to rising mortgage interest rates, many buyers are sitting on the sidelines, waiting to buy a home. High interest rates have also reduced buyer purchasing power, making a once-manageable monthly mortgage payment an unaffordable expense.

However, homes that present themselves well, are priced well, and are in a highly desirable part of town will sell very quickly with multiple offers. Otherwise, your home may be on the market for more than 30 days before you receive an offer.

If you're considering calling an agent, like me, to buy or sell a home, here are some ways to prepare for the journey ahead; that all money matters are settled. What I mean by that is being pre-approved for a mortgage if you're buying a home, and knowing how much you're going to get from selling your current home if you're considering selling it. Assuming the house is presentable, we'll be ready to show it in a few days.

You already know that buying or selling is not an overnight task, but the time it takes depends on the layout of your home and your budget. Don't risk making a bad first impression in real estate.

Related: 7 Secrets Luxury Home Buyers Need to Know

To choose an agent, first do the following:

1. Get a mortgage pre-approval

To get started, research your mortgage choices before signing a contract with a real estate agent. The mortgage you can afford depends on several factors, including the term, price and interest rate of the mortgage you choose.

Being pre-qualified for a mortgage is not the same as being pre-approved. Both pre-qualification and pre-approval require a thorough review of your financial situation, but only the latter requires a formal mortgage application.

Related: The Property Line: What About Soaring Mortgage Rates?

2. Study the market

Your search for a new home should be limited to properties within the price range established by the mortgage for which you have been pre-approved. However, if you plan to sell simultaneously, you should research comparable homes in the neighborhood. Remember that the asking prices shown in real estate listings, whether online or in print, are all you will learn. A real estate agent can provide information on how long a home has been on the market, if there have been any price reductions, and most importantly, how much you can expect to pay at closing.

While researching the real estate market is crucial, it is essential to avoid falling in love with any particular property. If you have to sell your current home before buying a new one, chances are the property won't be available when you're ready to buy. Offers conditional on the sale of another property, known in the real estate market as "yes, but..." offers, are less likely to be accepted by the seller than those with a poor financial history. stable.

Related: Single Home Buying Mistake Gives Woman Whole Neighborhood

3. Remove Clutter

Many of us have seen "Trading Spaces" and are confident in our home staging abilities. You probably already know that making a good impression on your real estate agent is crucial. If you want your real estate agent to see the full potential of your home, you should have an open house before they come.

Extra shoes and coats should be stored. Keeping these items in plain sight indicates a gap in the closet or storage area. Remove your things. Potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home, and seeing photos of your family reunion can quickly dash any hopes. Empty the refrigerator. The appearance of order and tranquility in the house is ruined by the accumulation...