Choosing the right house for you can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.

Your house is an investment in your future; of course you want to make the right choice. Don’t get hung up on unimportant details! If you do, you might get left behind in this competitive market. Choosing a home can be made much easier if you follow these foolproof tips.

Lay the Groundwork

According to data from Opendoor Research, the average first-time homebuyer viewed 24 homes in person or online. Over half of those people made at least five offers before closing on their home. Obviously, in the current market, it is imperative to lay the groundwork of what you want in a home to avoid situations like this. First, choose a seasoned real estate agent to work with. They will guide you and streamline the home buying process immensely. Second, set a budget that you absolutely will not go over. Next, create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. The must-haves are non-negotiable, while the nice-to-haves are just bonuses. This will allow your agent to tailor homes they show you according to your needs while staying in your budget.
Buy for Your Lifestyle

It is incredibly important to think about what your home will look like in the future. Consider your hobbies, entertaining goals, work, distance to friends and family, and other factors that impact daily living. If you love to cook, having a gourmet kitchen might be a must-have. If you can work remotely, you may need a home office. Opendoor’s data shows that 54% of buyers plan to spend most of their time at home in the kitchen and bedrooms, so making choices about those spaces may need to be a priority. Whatever you do, be honest with your needs and choose accordingly.
Reconcile Conflicting Home Visions

Even if you’re sure of your wants and needs, trying to choose the ideal home with a partner or co-owner can complicate matters. This is why communication, honesty, and openness are vital in the home buying process. Hammering out your joint needs long before house-hunting will save you time and money. Make sure your list aligns with your partner’s list before setting out to buy your home.
Think About the Future

While finding the right home often comes down to eliminating houses that aren’t right, it’s also true that you can make changes to whatever property you buy. So if a home has everything but the style kitchen you’ve always wanted, consider buying and remodeling the kitchen at a later date. As your agent will tell you, pick your battles when it comes to things you are able to upgrade later. It’s more important to consider whether the home overall is going to be a good one for your long-term goals.

Following these tips will help you narrow down your options until you find the home of your dreams. However, the first step in your homebuying journey is selecting the right real estate agent. If you’re ready to get started, contact your local real estate professional today at SurterreProperties.com.