House hunting more often resembles a marathon than a sprint. On occasion, the house of your dreams may just fall into your lap. But that isn’t the norm. A few years ago, according to data from the National Association of Realtors, the typical home buyer searched for 10 weeks and viewed nearly one dozen homes. More recently, Realtor.com said that number had dropped to closer to 10 homes.
The point is that patience and endurance are key to keeping your “eyes on the new home prize.” Here are two great ways to a stress-less home-buying journey:
Be flexible. Your new home checklist may include the perfect location, a quick commute, top-notch schools, a newly updated kitchen, and, of course, mesmerizing curb appeal. However, keep in mind that a flexible mindset may lead you to options you may not have considered, and those may turn out to be more fitting for you and your family. Starting the house hunt with an open mind allows you to explore all of your options, and ultimately gives you more potential dream homes to choose from. Attempt to look beyond hideous wallpaper and remember that cosmetic changes are of the easier variety to make.
Learn to let it go. The house you thought was your dream home may go to a higher bidder. Your “dream home” may not pass inspection. It’s not unusual for real estate deals to fall through for a variety of reasons – and sometimes more than once. While you may do everything possible to avoid this, sometimes you have to let go of what seemed like the perfect property. However, your real estate agent likely has many stories of buyers who were heartbroken at losing one property, only to acquire another they liked even better! And if it can happen to them, it can happen to you, too.
House hunting can be an overwhelming experience, filled with excitement and a touch of stress. However, with the guidance of a knowledgeable and supportive real estate agent, the journey becomes much smoother and less daunting. No matter how many homes you look at, finding your ideal home requires a deep understanding of your desires, preferences, and needs. A skilled real estate agent will take the time to listen and conduct a personalized needs assessment. By understanding your lifestyle, desired location, and essential features, they can narrow down the search and provide tailored recommendations that align with your vision.