[Timefounder]

The only thing you really need in presearing is a secondary profession.
There are several other things I usually try to get before leaving:
Every skill quest for my professions (there are 2 or 3 per profession).
As a Ranger, a Melandru's Stalker.
Completion of the quest "Adventure with an Ally"

Bears can be acquired later in the game much more easily than in pre-searing. The reason people try to get them early is to save time leveling their bear later.

There a few quest reward items that use rare skins but have otherwise poor stats.

A full pre-searing guide can be found at guildwiki.

Have a great time with the game and feel free to contact me if you need any help (In game - Time Founder; if you friend me you can see whatever character I'm using). I'm usually on 3-4 weeknights a week (Arizona time), and frequently on weekends.