What are your home-buying criteria? In Real Estate you always hear location, location, location! While location is important the truth of the matter is maybe location isn’t even in your top 10.
I like to use the slot machine analogy
Think of how many windows you want to come up with double cherries to get your dream house. Every must have adds another layer of complexity and means one more window on the slot machine. Is a finished lower level a want or need? Is a fireplace in the family room a must, vaulted ceiling, cul-de-sac, 2-acre yard? You get the idea.
I had a buyer who said he had to have a home on a cul-de-sac. He grew up on one and had fond memories as a child. This feature was a big need for him until he realized how few homes are on a Cul-de-sac. This quickly went from a high need to a bonus if he could find it.
Maybe you don’t even know what you want. You are just hoping to pull the arm and see what comes up. Making a list of what your
needs,
Must haves
wants
and would be nice but not necessary features
The list may change 6 times. We (real estate agents) have a saying: “Buyers are liars”. You don’t do it intentionally but often what you initially say you need/want and what you end up purchasing can look very different. (I was a lying buyer at one point in my life –see The First Time is Special)
This is why it is important to be transparent with your Realtor. Give me your list. Tell me if/when it changes. As you go through the process your needs / must haves will become clear.
You may look at 1 house, you may look at 30, but sooner or later you will walk into THE HOUSE! It has enough of your needs / Must haves, has a lot of your wants and maybe even a few “cherries” of your would be nice but not necessary!