Avoiding heartbreak when buying a home

How often do we hear, especially from first time home buyers, "we will see about getting a loan, after we find a home to buy". I believe I am doing a disservice to my clients if I do not have them get pre-qualified BEFORE they start looking instead of AFTER they find the one they think they can afford. At first, most are defensive. After I explain WHY it is important, the majority do speak with a lender. A few decide to find another real estate agent to help them buy a home. In the end, all of us are probably happier!