Here is the truth about home shopping:
You start your home search online. Fall in love with a staged home. Call a real estate agent to show you the home right away, skipping a crucial step. In my experience many home buyers don't take the time to figure out their needs and what they can realistically afford before home shopping.
I want to change that.
Let me introduce you to the 4 Golden rules of house hunting. These rules will prepare you and improve your experience when shopping for a home.
Rule #1 Preparation
This is the not-so-fun part of home shopping — the preparation. But without this step, the process can become stressful even if you are a home buyer with experience.
Let's answer a popular question:
What should I do before house hunting?
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First, hire a real estate agent to assist you with the process.
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Next, get a mortgage loan pre-approval letter.
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Then, have a Home Buyers Consultation. Where your agent goes over the stages of the home-buying process.
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And lastly, prepare for the house hunt itself.
Fast-forward, you have a realtor (me). You're familiar with the home-buying process. You know your home buying power. Next, let's jot down what's important to you.
What are the must-haves in your new home?
Regardless of where you are moving to, it is crucial to do this exercise and write it down. Carve out the time to sit down with the decision-makers before your start home shopping. You'll be glad you did.
So what's a must-have for you?
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A Short Work Commute?
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Privacy?
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A+ School District?
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Lots of Restaurants?
Put your wish list together with the general home shopping wish list template below.
Home Shopping Wish List Template
Prepare For the Unexpected (Home Shopping Day)
It is the day you have been waiting for. You have selected the homes you like based on your wish list. And even though home visits are set up unexpected things may happen. I'm not saying this is common, but beware:
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The home may get an accepted offer before or while viewing the home.
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Appointments may be canceled at the last minute.
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Wrong home access instructions may be provided.
Rule #2 Etiquette Do's & Don'ts
Do's
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Be on time: The owner may only give you a window of time to view the home. If you miss your window, you will not be let in to see the home.
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Limit who goes with you: decision-makers only.
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Dress Comfortably.
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Be respectful of the seller's privacy.
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Take lots of notes.
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Be honest.
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Stay motivated.
Don'ts
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Look at listings above your budget. Unless the home is overpriced and there is room for negotiation.
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Ask to go out last minute.
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Cancel at the last minute.
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Bring food or drinks into a house you're touring.
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Don't stay too long.
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Wait too long to see a home.
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Expect perfection.
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Choose decor over home.
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Call the listing agent. Let your realtor make those calls for you.
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Register with a builder without your agent.
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Sign up at another agent's open house.
What not to say while viewing homes
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Hold the criticism until after you leave.
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Avoid making an emotional decision.
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Don't say the price is unrealistic.
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Avoid sharing too much.
Rule #3 Safety
Customer's safety is a priority.
So, follow these tips when you go house shopping.
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Don't view homes after Dark
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Share your location with family and friends
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If the agent doesn't make you feel safe, leave.
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Avoid carpooling with your agent.
Rule #4 Decision-Making ''Decide Wisely"
How many houses should I look at before buying?
If you do your homework and create a wish list, after viewing 3 homes in person, you'll be able to make a decision.
How do you know you found the one?
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You get a gut feeling.
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You feel comfortable in the home.
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You overlook any flaws.
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Can't wait to tell your friends.
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You stopped looking at other homes.
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You don't have any second thoughts.
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You're already mentally decorating and arranging furniture.
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You will be able to grow with the home.
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It checks all or most of your boxes.
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You feel at home.
Should you make an offer on the first home, you, see?
Only if you feel is the one.
How do I choose between two houses?
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Focus on what is suitable for you.
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Remember that both choices could work for you.
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Do a Pro's and Cons List of each home.
FAQs
What does house hunting mean?
It comes from the famous IGTV show house hunters. And it was adopted by the real estate industry as the slang for home shopping.
Can you view a home after an offer is accepted?
Only if the seller is accepting backup offers. But viewing homes no longer on the market steers your focus away from your goal. Which is to buy a home. If there is a high demand for homes, I don't recommend it.
When should you view homes?
You should view homes during daylight because you get to see all the details of the home. Most home buyers house hunt on the weekend so to avoid competition plan to view homes on weekdays.
Is it okay to ask for a second viewing?
It is totally ok to ask for a second viewing. But if there are only a few homes for sale that meet you home search criteria you may have to act fast before someone else makes an offer.
How long do showings last?
When I take my clients home shopping, it takes no more than 20 minutes to view a home.
Is home shopping hard?
It could be. But if you prepare and follow the 4 golden rules it will be a piece of cake.
When is the best season to home shop?
There is less competition during the holiday season. But the best time to buy is when you are ready.
Why is home shopping stressful or Hard?
Skipping a crucial step like preparation can snowball into an unnecessary stressful situation.
What is the best way to house hunt?
Follow the 4 golden Rules of House hunting.
Takeaways:
Before house hunting, create a wish list. Know the do's and don'ts. Be safe and decide wisely. Happy House Hunting!
Ps. check out the Top 12 Tips for House Hunting.
Hire a Professional:
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Thank you!
Thank you so much for reading and if you found this article useful share it with others.
My mission:
To guide, inform and inspire you to take the 1st step towards your best life. Buy or sell homes with confidence. - Jury Hernandez, Broker Associate
