House hunting can be overwhelming.
As realtors, we genuinely understand that you are preparing to make a substantial financial and emotional investment. As a future homeowner, you take great care to find a "just right" place for you and your family. You can even get a little addicted to touring houses, always convinced the perfect home is just about to hit the market. Sometimes the inability to pull the trigger on the house can cause serious shopper's remorse. You could miss out on a home that, in retrospect, was ideal.
So how do you know a home is "the one"?
Here are some practical ways to check your buying temperature and know when it's time to make an offer:
1. The home fundamentally meets your needs. There's plenty of compromise in home hunting, so take note when you find one with the basics covered.
2. You would consider renovating for those luxurious little extras. The home may be missing that pool you've always wanted or a detached workshop/garage space. Missing 'wish list' items means you may be tackling a project to make it perfect.
3. You're in love with the kitchen. Studies show that most of our waking hours are connected to or using the kitchen. If you love the kitchen but think the master bedroom is small, consider where you spend most of your time. Be careful not to pass on the home when it could be the one.
4. The bathroom feels comfortable to you. Many times, other people's bathrooms will give you the creeps. If you feel good about the bathroom, it's a healthy sign.
5. You start to see your possessions in the house. If you're thinking, "Ah yes, the flatscreen could go on that wall," and "Wow, my bed would fit perfectly in this suite," then you're starting to imagine the house as your own.
6. You picture where you are going to place your Christmas tree. Many professionals claim that when you can visualize where your tree will be placed, you may be in the 'right' home.
7. You become possessive about the house and defend every flaw you see. Maybe your agent points out a flaw and says, "There is a stain in the kitchen sink," and you become defensive to them for saying something so mean about this house. If you see the flaws and decide that defects do not matter, you're falling in love.
8. The idea of someone else buying the home gives you a pit in your stomach. Pay attention if you're "sleeping on the decision" and the idea that the home is no longer an option makes you anxious. It could be offer time!
As realtors, we understand the financial commitment as well as the physical commitment of a move. It isn't a decision that you should take lightly, nor a decision that should be made without a realtor to help you with the tough questions. When you are ready to buy, give me a call, we would love to put our experience to work for you.
John Gorden
(928) 308-0101
