1. Set an appointment with your agent to meet in person or over the telephone.
-Discuss any future needs as far as family growth, home-business possibilities, school districts, pets, need for land, financing options, etc.
-Your agent has access to all homes on the market and will do a search for you.
-Your agent will send you potential listings over e-mail, fax, mail, or in person.
-Comb through these listings and let your agent know the ones that stand out to you the best.
-Your agent will advise you on what has been chosen and give you the pro's and con's of those properties.
-Although this is early, your agent may advise you to go ahead and view a property to make an offer if he feels that a property is rare or unique and won't last long on the market.
-Keep in mind that your negotiating power may not be as strong because of the delayed closing date. Typical closing times are 3 weeks to 45 days.

2. Contact your lender to get Pre-Approved and reaccess your financial situation.
-Inquire with your lender because it may take some time to gather the information the lender needs for you to be approved.
-If you have been working on your credit, now is a good time to make sure it is clear.
-A pre-approval facilitates faster closings and gives you more negotiating power.