When you’re thinking about buying a home—especially your first—there’s one important step that should come before touring houses or falling in love with online listings: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. The pre-approval process is often misunderstood or skipped entirely, but in reality, it’s one of the smartest moves a buyer can make early on. It doesn’t just give you a clearer picture of what you can afford—it gives you an advantage when it comes time to make an offer. Here’s what it really means to get pre-approved, and why it matters more than you might think. A pre-approval is more than just a ballpark estimate. It’s a letter from a lender that confirms how much money you’re eligible to borrow based on your income, credit score, debts, and other financial details. It shows that you’re not only serious about buying—you’re financially ready to do so. In a competitive housing market, sellers and their agents want to know that offers coming in are backed by buyers who are ready to close. Without a pre-approval letter, your offer may not be taken as seriously—even if you love the house and intend to follow through. This is where a good Realtor becomes a great resource. When I work with first-time buyers, I always recommend we start with a reputable lender. If you don’t already have someone in mind, I can point you toward trusted professionals I’ve worked with before—people who will treat you with the same level of care and respect I do. Once you’re pre-approved, we can focus your home search on properties within your true price range. This keeps us from wasting time on homes outside your budget and helps us move quickly when we do find “the one.” In a hot market, that time saved can make all the difference. It’s also worth noting that a pre-approval isn’t forever. It usually lasts 60 to 90 days, so it’s best to begin the process when you’re serious about buying. If your credit score changes, you switch jobs, or take on new debt, that can impact your pre-approval, so keeping your finances steady during this time is key. Some first-time buyers worry that getting pre-approved will be complicated or intimidating, but the truth is, it’s not. You’ll typically need to provide proof of income, tax documents, and details about your debts and assets. Most lenders now offer online applications, making the process quicker and easier than ever. In the end, getting pre-approved isn’t just a step in the process—it’s a foundation for everything that comes next. It gives you clarity, credibility, and confidence. And when you’ve got those three things, you’re already well on your way home.  If you’re thinking about buying and you’re not sure where to start, reach out. I’d be happy to walk you through it, connect you with a trusted lender, and help you take that first step toward owning a home you love.

Buying a home is more than a transaction—it’s a major life moment. For first-time buyers, it can feel like standing at the edge of something exciting and unknown. That’s where Realtor Gail Harpole steps in, not just as a real estate professional, but as someone who genuinely cares about helping people turn dreams into addresses. Gail’s journey into real estate wasn’t about chasing sales. It was about answering a calling. After over 25 years in professional customer service roles, Gail had built a reputation for patience, professionalism, and a people-first approach. In 2017, she brought that same dedication to real estate, earning her license in both Texas and Oklahoma. Her motivation? Helping people—especially first-time buyers—navigate one of life’s biggest decisions with confidence. “I’m not going to sit here and make a bunch of promises,” Gail says. “But I will tell you this: I will work with you, for you, and alongside your lender to get you the best deal possible. That’s my commitment.” She’s known for going the extra mile—literally. Gail doesn’t mind the long drives, the late-night texts, or the extra showings. She believes finding the right home isn’t about what looks good on paper. It’s about matching people with spaces where their life can grow. Whether it’s a small home on the edge of town or a starter home in the city, she takes pride in uncovering homes that truly fit the buyer’s needs—not just their wants. Born and raised in the metroplex and now living in Marietta, Oklahoma with her husband of over 20 years, Gail is deeply rooted in the communities she serves. Her clients describe her as trustworthy, hardworking, and refreshingly down-to-earth. She’s not about sales tactics or pressure. She’s about results—and relationships. First-time buyers in particular often don’t know what they don’t know. Gail walks them through each stage of the process, answering questions before they’re asked, explaining every document in plain language, and being that steady, reassuring voice during the ups and downs. “When you’re buying your first home, what you really need is someone who isn’t just showing you houses,” Gail says. “You need someone who’s showing up—for you.”  For buyers looking for an agent who will put people before properties, Gail Harpole is ready to help you make a move—with heart, honesty, and a whole lot of hustle.

Let’s be honest—it's easy to fall in love with a home based on the way it looks. A cozy front porch, an updated kitchen, or the perfect Instagram-worthy bathroom can turn heads fast. But as exciting as those features are, choosing the right home means looking a little deeper. As a Realtor who loves helping first-time homebuyers, I’ve seen how important it is to look beyond the surface and find a home that truly fits your lifestyle, goals, and future. 1. Start With a Smart Wishlist: Wants vs. Needs When we first start looking at homes, I always ask my clients to write down what they want and what they need. These are not always the same thing. You might want hardwood floors and a big backyard—but if you need to be within 30 minutes of your job, that should come first. By identifying your must-haves versus nice-to-haves, we can focus on homes that truly make sense for your life. 2. Think Long-Term, Not Just Right Now That beautiful starter home might be perfect today—but what about 3 or 5 years from now? Are you planning to grow your family? Work from home? Get a dog? It’s important to think about your future lifestyle. A home that fits your current situation and gives you room to grow is a smart investment. I’ll help you ask the right questions now, so you’re not feeling stuck later. 3. Location, Location, Location You’ve heard this before—but it’s true. You can change just about anything in a house except where it’s located. I encourage all my clients to think about things like commute times, school districts, local amenities, and even how safe they feel in the neighborhood. Try driving through at different times of the day or talking to neighbors. A good location makes all the difference in the long run—and it’s one of the best ways to protect your investment. 4. Don’t Let Pretty Photos Cloud Your Judgment Online listings are designed to impress—but that doesn’t mean the home will live up to the pictures. Filters, wide-angle lenses, and great staging can make any house look amazing. That’s why I always recommend seeing homes in person whenever possible. During showings, I’ll help you look at the details—the condition of the roof, the age of the HVAC system, the layout, the flow. These things matter just as much (if not more) than the color of the cabinets. 5. Stay Grounded When Emotions Run High Buying a home is emotional—especially your first one. It’s easy to get swept up in excitement and feel pressured to make fast decisions. But this is a big investment, and you deserve to make it with a clear mind. As your Realtor, I’ll be your sounding board. If something doesn’t feel quite right, I’ll help you slow down, re-evaluate, and make a choice you’re comfortable with. You’ll never be pushed or rushed—only supported. Final Thoughts The perfect home isn’t always the flashiest one—it’s the one that fits you. My job is to help you stay focused on what really matters so you end up in a home you love not just today, but for years to come. Ready to start your home search? Let’s connect and find a home that checks all the right boxes—inside and out.