Would you say it's important to meet with a mortgage advisor before viewing properties? 

Yes, it’s a really good idea to meet with a mortgage advisor before you view any properties, because before you fall in love with something it's good to know what you can afford. Your mortgage advisor will give you an agreement in principle which you will need when you make an offer. Without an agreement in principle, your offer may appear weak and you may lose the property to someone who's better prepared. Different mortgage advisors will charge different amounts. Some may offer their services for free, so it's important to find this out before you go any further.