Buying a house is a huge commitment and saying it must be “right” is an understatement! Whether you are looking for a new beginning, have a growing family, or are simply buying your first home on your own, buying a house that is not the best choice can have you looking for another or even losing money.  How do you know you have found the one? Here are a few tips to help you with your house-hunting: 

 

  • The listing photos and layout have you wanting to see it in person as soon as possible! When the photos appeal to you in some way and the layout is to your liking, it is hard not to send your agent a “Put this house at the top of my must-see list” text!  
     

  • At the showing, you feel at home when you get out of your car and walk in the door. You know when you feel welcome in a house when you go inside, much like when you visit someone’s home for the first time.  
     

  • As you go from room to room, you can see your belongings in each, and know exactly how you would arrange them.  The outside matters as well, and envisioning your kids playing in the back garden, or wanting to refurbish the flowerbeds are sure signs of the house being the right one.
     

  • Your house-hunting day has ended, and that one property seems to be calling your name, but minor things (like having to remove wallpaper or carpet) have you questioning if that is the house for you. When you are truly smitten, being concerned about a few flaws and having to put in some work once you move in could cost you the perfect home. 
     

  • When the showing is over, and you pause on the outside of the door and have no desire to look at any other houses, it is time to talk to your agent about making an offer. 
     

  • Does the house fit your needs? All the warm fuzzies do not count unless the house has the right amount of space, is in a great community, and, most importantly, within your budget. 

 

House hunting can be tiring, especially if you have looked at several in one day. If all the factors are in line, you may not want to wait to act on making an offer!  Waiting to see if you can find a more perfect house may cause you to lose out on the house that embraced you as you walked in and had you telling friends and family about. Your Realtor® knows about your needs, wants, and budget, and will be ready as soon as you say “I love this house. Let's make an offer!” 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

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