Getting my character ready for the PC release and was wondering a few things. Do you need to be Thane of the hold first before you get the offer to build the house? If so should I get that done first before getting the DLC or will that mess something up and I not get the offer to buy the land.

Also, what else should I be doing while waiting for the DLC? Items I should be gathering up?

Thanks.

You need to the thane, yes.
Seems there are quests added with Hearthfire to help you with that -- don't quote me on that though. I'm also waiting for the PC version.
Something that you can get and will need a lot of, from what I can see, is iron. So mining and stocking up on that would be a good idea.

I have not noticed any new quest being added to get the land, it is the same ones you did on your way to becoming thane, you just do not have to do all the smaller quests just to get the land. I would recommend being thane of Falkreath though, just for the extra help of the housecarl, she is pretty handy to have around. You could just become thane in all three holds and not have to bother with quests to get the land when you start Hearthfire.

While waiting you can also start stocking up on iron, lots of it!