Tuesday, October 14, 2025 / by Lauren Kerschen
You Don’t Need to Be “Ready” to Talk to a Realtor in 2025: Just Be Curious
Think you need everything figured out before reaching out to a real estate agent? Spoiler: you don’t. The idea that you must have a pre-approval letter, a nailed-down budget, or a move-out date is a myth that keeps too many potential homebuyers on the sidelines. In 2025’s dynamic housing market—where DFW homes are moving fast (25% pending within a week, per local MLS data)—all you need is curiosity to start the conversation. Here’s why you can (and should) reach out to a realtor today, no strings attached.
Busting the “Be Ready” Myth
Many people hesitate to contact a realtor because they feel unprepared. Maybe you’re unsure about your finances or just browsing Zillow for fun. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to have all the answers to start asking questions. A good realtor (like me) is here to meet you where you are—whether you’re years out or ready to tour tomorrow.
You don’t need:
- A Pre-Approval Letter: While 80% of accepted offers in 2025 come from pre-approved buyers, you can talk to a realtor long before applying. We can guide you toward lenders when the time’s right.
- A Set Budget: Not sure what you can afford? That’s a question, not a barrier. We can explore options based on your income and goals.
- A Move-Out Date: Whether you’re renting month-to-month or planning for 2026, early chats help you map the process without pressure.
All it takes is a spark of curiosity—about the market, a specific home, or just “what’s possible?” That’s enough to get the ball rolling.
Questions You Can Ask Right Now
No need to overthink it. Here are some real questions I get from curious buyers in DFW, and I’m ready to answer them for you:
- “How much do I actually need to buy in DFW?” I’ll break down down payments (as low as 3%—$9,000 on a $300K home with conventional loans) and local assistance programs like TSAHC’s 5% grants.
- **“Is now

