The moment your decision to relocate or expand. The real estate market is very dynamic currently. With  so few vacant buildings on the market and such an active marketplace looking for a location before you are "qualified" puts you in a defensive position. Here is why:

1. Sellers know this market s good too. They are not going to be generous with a lengthy feasibility period in your offer to purchase.

2. As the buyer, you want to negotiate; your ability to negotiate is severely hampered when seller feels threatened by accepting an offer and being taken out of the marketplace for a length of time. Seller runs the risk of you not qualifying and possibly missing another opportunity.

3. Seller will not be generous with price points if he knows you are not even qualified yet. Not in this market.