My Secrets for Buying Your First Home Like a Pro

Buying a home for the first time can be confusing. That’s why the tips and strategies you’ll find in our 8-week series will set you on the right path. It’s our own unique approach and a “behind the scenes” glimpse of what you should look out for and consider when starting your own search for a home. 

You feel a spark of attraction immediately, and can already envision a picture-perfect life together for many years ahead. Someone better catch you, because you’ve fallen hard!

But wait! I’m not talking about your last day….nope, I’m talking about that home you saw while house hunting. 

Yes, buying a home is like falling in love.

You can expect to go through the same ups and downs, emotional tugs and pulls, and even similar stages:

Being smitten, getting your heart broken, eventually learning from your mistakes, and becoming wiser and more serious on your quest for “love.”

I was so in love with some of the homes we looked at during our home search, I would go home and photoshop our picture in front of the house. 

All is fair in love and war … and the same goes for house hunting! I’ll show you how to make the most of your journey in finding a home you love.

The One that Got Away

Everyone remembers how devastating it felt the first time they experienced heartbreak. A feeling of loss, guilt, and extreme emotions on what could have been and what you may have or may not have done wrong.

Guess what? Buyers experience that too.

Sometimes you have to lose out on a property you absolutely love before you can get serious (and braver) about home buying. Here’s what you can learn from going through this disappointment: 

Don’t hesitate about your true feelings or be wishy-washy about your intentions. 

What this means as a buyer: Once you’ve become a serious buyer, you have to be ready to put a competitive offer in right away and be completely prepared with your maximum budget, financing, deal breakers. You’ve got to get this point BEFORE you begin house hunting.  The home buying experience forces you to gain some additional self-awareness on what is really important to you in a home, why you want to become a homeowner, and that you’ve got to open yourself up to negotiation and strategic tactics to seal the deal!

Learn to move on and keep searching.

What this means as a buyer: Use those feelings of regret as an advantage, and turn it into a positive. You now are a wiser, more seasoned buyer who better understands how the housing market really works in that particular neighborhood and price range.  Don’t waste time wallowing; dust yourself off and try again! New inventory and listings will come on the market.

Don’t look back and don’t compare.

What this means as a buyer: What happens if you can’t get that master suite bathroom out of your mind from that last home. Or that awesome deck out back. You could go on and on comparing your first heartbreak with other homes. Stop. It. Immediately.  Go back and focus on your original list of must-haves, deal breakers, needs and wants. Or, tweak it if anything has changed and get back out there!

After losing out on a few homes, I had to rearrange my list of deal breakers, needs and wants and we ended up with a home in a neighborhood we love.

Don’t worry, you will fall in love again.

What this means as a buyer: Yes, you will find a home and be happy! Most buyers get over their heart break and find a home that works for them and their family.  Sometimes the struggle will be worth it and you’ll end up with a home that is the perfect match for you.

Hopelessly Devoted to That Home

Do you believe in love at first sight? Or maybe have fallen in love with someone who might not have been the right choice. 

Blinded by love or even desperation, we ignore any signs that this isn’t the one really for us.

The same thing can happen to homebuyers.  You could fall in love with a home or location that really isn’t a good match for you and your family. 

Unfortunately, some buyers can get swayed by emotion and start to make irrational decisions, especially if a hectic housing market is causing them anxiety.  

Don’t be a fool in love. Some buyers get hung up on an amazing or gorgeous home that just wows them … but it really doesn’t fit their family’s needs at all (i.e., long commute to work, not enough bedrooms, too small or too big, too expensive, etc.).

Never settle for what doesn’t feel right.  Some buyers end up with a home that isn’t good enough for them. Yes, home buying does require some compromise, but this refers to ignoring blatant issues with a home that could cause regret later on. For example, they didn’t carefully consider some red flags about the home’s structure, workmanship, etc. This can happen when buyers want a home so badly in a certain neighborhood.

It’s times like this that you need to search for some clarity on your part to avoid falling too hard for the wrong home, whether you’re charmed by it or know it’s a dud.

Fall in Love with the Right Home

You can fall in love with a home that works for you, for most of your needs, for your budget, and your lifestyle. Buying a home is full of emotion, and keeping your heart and head in sync can save you a lot of heartache down the road.

Get your priorities straight. I can’t stress this enough but make a list of your must-haves and your deal breakers and stick to it!  Don’t be blinded by the potential of a “hot” looking home when all it might lead to heartbreak down the road for short-term bliss.   

Know what’s best for you. Only you know what will work for you and your family. It’s your life so don’t listen or be swayed by what your friends or family have to say (trust me).  Keep your emotions in check as much as possible and make rational and smart decisions based on what is best for you and your family.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this series, “My Secrets for Buying Your First Home Like a Pro”  Stay tuned in each week as I discuss more topics that will help you on your first home-buying journey. I’ve got more hints and tips coming your way!