House Hunting 101: How to Find the Perfect Home

Finding the perfect home—isn’t that the dream? After all, a home is more than four walls and a roof; it’s where life happens. Whether you’re envisioning cozy movie nights in the living room, hosting summer BBQs in the backyard, or simply finding a peaceful place to call your own, owning a home remains the cornerstone of the American dream.

But let’s be real; the actual house shopping experience can feel overwhelming. From endless browsing on house hunting websites to making tough choices, it’s no walk in the park. That’s where this guide comes in. With expert tips and a clear house hunting process, we’ll prepare you to find a house that feels just right.

1. Define Your Priorities

Before you jump onto house hunting websites or start scheduling tours, the first step is figuring out what matters the most in your next home.

Identify Needs vs. Wants

• Essential Features: Start by outlining the must-haves for your lifestyle when searching for your next home. Do you need three bedrooms or four? Are you prioritizing an excellent school district or proximity to work?
• Optional Features: Create a wish list for nice-to-haves—features like a pool, a large yard, or a finished basement. These home features are great to dream about but not deal-breakers.

Lifestyle Considerations

Your home should fit your current lifestyle and your future plans. Are you someone who thrives in a bustling urban setup, or do you daydream about suburban peace and quiet? Like preparing for family growth or retirement, thinking ahead can guide your house search.

Budgeting

Money matters. Determining what you can afford is arguably the most important part of house-shopping. Working with a mortgage lender helps you understand your financing options. Here’s how to break it down:

• Down Payment & Monthly Expenses: Factor in upfront costs like the down payment and closing fees, as well as ongoing costs like your mortgage payments.
• Hidden Costs: Remember to account for property taxes, maintenance, home insurance, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and potential emergency repairs. No one wants to be financially stressed about a roof replacement six months after moving in.

Have a firm grip on the ideal purchase price to stay financially strong. Examine comparable sales and consult with your real estate agent to ensure the purchase price is appropriate for the home features you desire.

2. Research the Market

House shopping is like any major decision—it’s all about doing your homework first.

Learn About Local Real Estate Trends

• Check whether the real estate market favors buyers or sellers. A buyer’s market means you have more negotiating power, while a seller’s market means you’ll face more competition for ideal properties.
• Use tools like real estate websites and market reports to understand price trends and demand. A little insight goes a long way. Additionally, explore online platforms that list homes for sale to get a sense of the variety of available properties and neighborhood insights.

Explore Neighborhoods

Visit areas of interest during different times of the day. That perfect curb appeal in the morning might look less charming if rush-hour traffic is blaring in the evening.

• Check commute times, school ratings (if relevant), and the availability of nearby amenities like shops, gyms, and parks. Remember, the neighborhood is as important as the house itself!

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Homebuyer pre-approval is a house-hunting game-changer. It strengthens your buying power and signals to home sellers that you’re serious, even as a first-time home buyer. Plus, it gives you a crystal-clear idea of your borrowing limits.

3. Assemble a Support Team

House shopping isn’t a DIY job—you’re going to need a solid crew by your side.

Find a Real Estate Agent

Choose a real estate agent who understands your specific needs and is well-versed in the local markets down to your ideal neighborhood. The right agent can save you time and money by finding homes that check your boxes and negotiating favorable deals.

Consult Other Professionals

A good support team doesn’t stop with your agent. Don’t skip on enlisting a home inspector, home appraiser, or legal advisor, depending on the complexity of your purchase. They’ll help you avoid costly pitfalls. A mortgage lender also helps you find the right financing terms and makes the dream of ownership happen.

4. Ways to Discover Houses

Technology is your best friend when searching for your dream home—but only when used wisely. With numerous homes for sale, leveraging technology to find the best deals and insights is essential.

Through Your Agent

Real estate agents often have insider access to properties. They’ll sift through the options and send you the most relevant listings, saving you a ton of time and effort. The key here is having a professional that is staying on top of the new listings and alerting you right away. 

House Hunting Websites

Real estate websites can easily sort through various property types, including single-family homes, to find the perfect match for your needs. However, keep in mind:

• National platforms can offer many home options but may lack information about local markets. They are also not as transparent about who has access to your data or as invested in vetting local real estate professionals they may refer you to.
• Local agent websites generally have more detailed info about specific areas but may not include all available properties. They may lack important features like real-time updates on new homes for sale, filters for specific home features, or tools like valuation projections.

If you’re moving across regions, you may notice limitations in coverage on agent-specific platforms, so combine multiple resources. Having a local resource helps make connections with vetted service professionals, essential when you’re new to the area and buying from far away.

Visit the Local MLS

Some real estate associations, including the National Association of Realtors (NAR), allow access to MLS (Multiple Listing Services) for public searches, offering more direct and up-to-date listings. However, not all homes for sale appear on the MLS. Nor to they all provide ways to receive real-time updates, which matters in a seller’s market. It may require you to run the search often to see the latest listings. 

5. The Home Search Process

Once you’ve done your research, gotten pre-approved for a loan, and assembled your team, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start touring homes!

Touring Homes

Visiting homes in person (or virtually) is an exciting step. Bring a checklist with your needs and wants to stay focused and not be awed by the interior decor. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—this is a potential future home, after all.

Evaluate Homes Carefully

While touring, assess the property’s condition. The big items are the roof, plumbing, and appliances. Walk inside and outside, noting things like pooling water or foundation cracks. Identify any potential repairs and add them to your financial considerations.

Keep Detailed Notes

Touring multiple homes can lead to decision fatigue. Was it the one with a shorter commute that had the outdoor kitchen or the one with the red door? Keep detailed notes and take photos or videos of each house you visit. This will make it easier to compare options later.

Start House Shopping with Confidence

Browsing homes doesn’t have to overload your senses. House shopping is as much about preparation as visiting properties—lay a solid foundation, and you’ll celebrate life in your new home in no time. Remember to define your priorities, research the market, build the right team, and follow a structured process.

Still need help fine-tuning your search? Work with one of our trusted real estate partners who understand your goals. Contact us today to start your home-buying journey!