When Should You Contact a Real Estate Agent?

[Nef Ojeda]

In my research I have found that it is best to build a relationship and use a RE agent on your first property. Yet, it isn't clear to me as to when is the best time to start building the relationship [when you aren't exactly ready to buy] without wasting the RE agents time? (1 year out, 6 months out, 3 months out ... etc)

Thanks in advance for any and all responces.

:Nef:
 

[Nef Ojeda]

@Marcus Auerbach: These are very good tips and simple. I will use them.

@Steve Morris: I will definitely narrow down my end goal to a specific type of property and have hard cash and/or financing plans squared away before first contact. 

@Eudith Vacio: I do have a good idea of the property and area in mind. As of today, I am missing the hard cash and financing. But, working on it. I think it would be beneficial to have a chat early on (even so far out) to help better prepare me for variables I may not even considered. But, this will require an Agent who is willing to be ok with just having a conversation knowing my timeline - my goal is to respect the agents time as best I can yet, obtain valuable information that will better prepare me for when the time comes. 

@Tony Angelos: Exactly the conversation I want to have. From all the reading I am doing it all comes down to understanding as much of the process as you can. Hence, me utilizing this forum and being a proactive new member.  

@Steve Rozenberg: This method will really be helpful filtering out agents that may not be a good fit for me. Great point there. 

I appreciate every response. Thanks for your time and advice. I will continue my journey educating myself and making small moves that ultimately support my end goal.