--- title: Start Your Home Search the Right Way description: Buying a home starts long before you tour your first property. Learn how preparing your finances and getting pre-approved can help you buy with confidence in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, and the East Valley. image: https://kipsellsaz.com/hubfs/Kip%20Sells%20AZ%20(1).png --- [Skip to content](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/start-your-home-search-the-right-way#main-content) ![Kip Wilkins Logo-1](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kip%20Wilkins%20Logo-1.jpg?width=680&height=316&name=Kip%20Wilkins%20Logo-1.jpg) - [Home](https://kipsellsaz.com/) - [Featured Listings](https://kipsellsaz.com/featured-listings) - For Sellers Show submenu for For Sellers - [Selling Your Home](https://kipsellsaz.com/selling-your-home) - [Net Proceeds](https://kipsellsaz.com/net-proceeds) - For Buyers Show submenu for For Buyers - [Buyer Ready Service](https://kipsellsaz.com/buyer-ready-1) - [Kip's Tips for Buyers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlfVl2Smdc0&list=PLOJIFGqSOuXxLJYsJFdswBPHAHp_2FnsF) - [Inspections](https://kipsellsaz.com/inspections) - [Check Schools](https://www.greatschools.org/) - [Home Value Trends](https://cromfordreport.com/rankings.html) - [Search Homes](https://kipsellsaz.com/home-search) - [Moving Checklist](https://kipsellsaz.com/moving-checklist) - [Real Estate Glossary](https://kipsellsaz.com/glossary) - [Meet Kip](https://kipsellsaz.com/meet-kip) - [Kip's Blog](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog) - [Contact Kip](https://share.hsforms.com/1yfIGM8fQTPmx1xCh4Nyzdwrml34) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://kipsellsaz.com/) - [Featured Listings](https://kipsellsaz.com/featured-listings) - For Sellers Show submenu for For Sellers - [Selling Your Home](https://kipsellsaz.com/selling-your-home) - [Net Proceeds](https://kipsellsaz.com/net-proceeds) - For Buyers Show submenu for For Buyers - [Buyer Ready Service](https://kipsellsaz.com/buyer-ready-1) - [Kip's Tips for Buyers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlfVl2Smdc0&list=PLOJIFGqSOuXxLJYsJFdswBPHAHp_2FnsF) - [Inspections](https://kipsellsaz.com/inspections) - [Check Schools](https://www.greatschools.org/) - [Home Value Trends](https://cromfordreport.com/rankings.html) - [Search Homes](https://kipsellsaz.com/home-search) - [Moving Checklist](https://kipsellsaz.com/moving-checklist) - [Real Estate Glossary](https://kipsellsaz.com/glossary) - [Meet Kip](https://kipsellsaz.com/meet-kip) - [Kip's Blog](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog) - [Contact Kip](https://share.hsforms.com/1yfIGM8fQTPmx1xCh4Nyzdwrml34) - [Contact Kip](mailto:Kip@ArizonaDreamLiving.com) [Contact Kip](mailto:Kip@ArizonaDreamLiving.com) Equities Real Estate, LLC  14446 S. 24th Pl, Phoenix AZ 85048  Contact Kip Wilkins:  208.915.9606     License # SA697538000 Jun 30, 2026, 5:54:37 PM # Start Your Home Search the Right Way ![Picture of Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png?width=50&name=Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png) [Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/author/kip-wilkins-realtor) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/start-your-home-search-the-right-way) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/start-your-home-search-the-right-way) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/start-your-home-search-the-right-way) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/start-your-home-search-the-right-way) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/start-your-home-search-the-right-way) # ![Kip Sells AZ (1)](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kip%20Sells%20AZ%20(1).png?width=1744&height=902&name=Kip%20Sells%20AZ%20(1).png) Few things are more exciting than starting the search for your next home. Whether you're buying your very first home, moving up to fit your growing family, or downsizing into something that's easier to maintain, it's an exciting milestone. But after helping buyers throughout Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, and the East Valley, I've learned that the most successful home searches don't actually begin with looking at houses. They begin with a plan. ## Know Your Budget Before You Start Shopping It's easy to fall in love with a beautiful home online. Gorgeous kitchens, backyard pools, and open floor plans can make you picture yourself living there before you've even stepped through the front door. That's why I encourage every buyer to first understand what comfortably fits within their budget. Buying a home should be exciting—not stressful. Having a realistic budget allows you to focus on homes that truly fit your financial goals while avoiding disappointment later. ## Get Pre-Approved Before Touring Homes One of the smartest things you can do is meet with a trusted mortgage professional before beginning your search. A pre-approval is much more than a quick estimate. It's a thorough review of your financial picture that helps determine the price range you're qualified to purchase. Just as importantly, it tells sellers you're serious about buying. In today's market, homes can still move quickly. When the right property becomes available, having your financing already in place allows you to act confidently instead of scrambling to get paperwork together. ## A Strong Team Makes the Process Easier One of the advantages my clients enjoy is that they don't have to figure everything out on their own. I work closely with experienced local lending professionals who take the time to explain financing options, answer questions, and help buyers build a plan that fits their individual goals. When your REALTOR® and lender work together as a team, the entire transaction tends to move much more smoothly from beginning to closing day. ## Preparation Creates Confidence One of my favorite parts of helping buyers is seeing the confidence they gain once they know exactly where they stand. Instead of wondering whether they can afford a home, they're able to focus on finding the one that feels right. Preparation also gives me a stronger position when negotiating on your behalf. Sellers appreciate working with buyers who are financially prepared and ready to move forward. That preparation can make all the difference in a competitive market. ## Let's Build Your Home Buying Game Plan Every buyer's journey is unique, but one thing never changes—having a plan makes the experience more enjoyable. If you're thinking about buying a home in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, or anywhere in the East Valley, I'd love the opportunity to help you prepare before your search begins. Together, we'll build a strategy that helps you shop with confidence and positions you for success when the right home comes along. --- ## About Kip Wilkins I believe buying or selling a home is about more than a transaction—it's about building relationships and helping people make confident decisions. As a REALTOR® serving Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, and communities throughout the East Valley, I'm committed to educating my clients so they feel informed every step of the way. **Kip Wilkins** REALTOR® | Equities Real Estate, LLC Phone: [208-915-9606](tel:12089159606) Email: [KipWilkinsREALTOR@gmail.com](mailto:KipWilkinsREALTOR@gmail.com) Website: [www.kipsellsaz.com](https://kipsellsaz.com/) Looking for homes in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, or the East Valley? Visit [www.kipsellsaz.com](https://kipsellsaz.com/) to begin your search or contact me to build your personalized home buying plan. --- Kip Wilkins is a licensed REALTOR® with Equities Real Estate, LLC. REALTOR® is a registered trademark of the National Association of REALTORS®. Equal Housing Opportunity. MLS Participant. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. [Ahwatukee Homes for Sale](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/ahwatukee-homes-for-sale), [Chandler Real Estate](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/chandler-real-estate), [Phoenix Metro Realtor,](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/phoenix-metro-realtor), [Home Buying Strategies 2026](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/home-buying-strategies-2026) ## Related posts [![](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Home%20Sale%20(1).png?height=200&name=Home%20Sale%20(1).png)](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/why-your-house-isnt-selling) [Ahwatukee Homes for Sale](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/ahwatukee-homes-for-sale), [Chandler Real Estate](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/chandler-real-estate), [kipsellsAZ](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/kipsellsaz) ## [Why Your House Isn’t Selling?](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/why-your-house-isnt-selling) ![Picture of Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png?width=50&name=Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png) [Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/author/kip-wilkins-realtor) Mar 19, 2026, 5:15:00 PM And What You Can Do About It Online searches for “can’t sell my house” have recently surged. If... [Read more](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/why-your-house-isnt-selling) [![](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homeownership%20Building%20Your%20Future.png?height=200&name=Homeownership%20Building%20Your%20Future.png)](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/benefits-of-homeownership-east-valley-arizona) [Ahwatukee Homes for Sale](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/ahwatukee-homes-for-sale), [Chandler Real Estate](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/chandler-real-estate), [Phoenix Metro Realtor,](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/phoenix-metro-realtor), [kipsellsAZ](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/kipsellsaz) ## [Why Homeownership Is About More Than Just Owning a House](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/benefits-of-homeownership-east-valley-arizona) ![Picture of Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png?width=50&name=Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png) [Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/author/kip-wilkins-realtor) Aug 5, 2026, 11:46:47 AM Why Homeownership Is About More Than Just Owning a House When people think about homeownership,... [Read more](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/benefits-of-homeownership-east-valley-arizona) [![](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kip%20Sells%20AZ-%20families.png?height=200&name=Kip%20Sells%20AZ-%20families.png)](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/first-home-help-fund-next-move) [Ahwatukee Homes for Sale](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/ahwatukee-homes-for-sale), [Chandler Real Estate](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/chandler-real-estate), [Phoenix Metro Realtor,](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/phoenix-metro-realtor), [Home Buying Strategies 2026](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/home-buying-strategies-2026), [kipsellsAZ](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/kipsellsaz), [kipknowsRE](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/tag/kipknowsre) ## [Is Your First Home Ready To Fund Your Next Move?](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/first-home-help-fund-next-move) ![Picture of Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png?width=50&name=Kip%20Wilkins%2c%20REALTOR.png) [Kip Wilkins, REALTOR](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/author/kip-wilkins-realtor) Aug 4, 2026, 9:00:00 AM Is Your First Home Ready To Fund Your Next Move? Do you remember how exciting it felt to buy your... [Read more](https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/first-home-help-fund-next-move) When it comes to buying or selling a home, Kip Wilkins, a REALTOR at Equities Real Estate, LLC, and part of the Arizona Dream Living team, stands out for his professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Serving the East Valley, including Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Gilbert, Kip is dedicated to helping clients make informed and empowered decisions. He has a special talent for working with first-time homebuyers, making the process smoother and less stressful with his knowledge, patience, and understanding. Kip prioritizes education and transparency, ensuring you fully understand your options. His excellent negotiation skills and deep market knowledge ensure you get the best deal possible. Choosing Kip means having a trusted advisor who will guide you every step of the way, making your real estate journey a positive experience. [Connect With Kip](mailto:kipwilkinsrealtor@gmail.com) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/KipSellsAZ/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kippersnacker/?trk=org-employees) [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/@KipWilkinsRealtor/featured) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/kipsellsaz/) [Follow us on Facebook](mailto:KIP@ArizonaDreamLiving.com) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.zillow.com/profile/Kip-Wilkins#reviews) --- # Equities Real Estate ![Equities Full Transparent (3)\[70\]](https://kipsellsaz.com/hubfs/Equities%20Full%20Transparent%20(3)%5B70%5D.jpg "Equities Full Transparent (3)[70]") [Contact Kip Wilkins](mailto:kipwilkinsrealtor@gmail.com) ![Kip Email Signature (2)](https://kipsellsaz.com/hubfs/Kip%20Email%20Signature%20(2).png "Kip Email Signature (2)")     ![Realtor MLS Equal](https://kipsellsaz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Realtor%20MLS%20Equal.jpeg?width=214&height=70&name=Realtor%20MLS%20Equal.jpeg) ## [Terms of Service and Privacy Policy](https://kip-wilkins-realtor-46403392.hubspotpagebuilder.com/terms-of-service-privacy-policy) © 2024 Kip Wilkins, REALTOR   ### Meet Your Local Expert: Kip Wilkins **Specializing in Chandler, Ahwatukee, and the Phoenix Metro Area** As an East Valley real estate consultant, I help buyers and sellers navigate the unique markets of **Chandler** and **Ahwatukee**. From luxury estates in the foothills to modern family homes, I provide the local insight and strategy you need to win. **My Philosophy: Educate. Guide. Succeed.** 📞 **Direct:** (208) 915-9606 📧 **Email:** [kipwilkinsrealtor@gmail.com](mailto:kipwilkinsrealtor@gmail.com) 🌐 **Website:** [Kipsellsaz.com](https://kipsellsaz.com) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kip Wilkins, REALTOR", "url" : "https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/author/kip-wilkins-realtor" }, "dateModified" : "2026-06-30T23:54:58.849Z", "datePublished" : "2026-06-30T23:54:37.000Z", "headline" : "Start Your Home Search the Right Way", "image" : [ "https://kipsellsaz.com/hubfs/Kip%20Sells%20AZ%20(1).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://kipsellsaz.com/blog/start-your-home-search-the-right-way", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" } } } ```