Start House Hunting

After you’ve settled on your priorities and clearly communicated them to your real estate agent, it’s time to start house hunting. As you browse the listings your real estate agent sends you, or you find yourself, keep your priorities at the back of your mind. Remember, it is highly unlikely that any listing will perfectly match your dream home, so try not to be too picky until you see the listings in person.

You’ll find that the more houses you see, the more they all start to blend together. So, try to be organized and make sure that you talk to your agent about your likes and dislikes about each property.

When going to see each listing, reflect on the neighborhood that the home is in, as well as the home itself. Before every tour or open house, drive around the area. Consider what your commute would be like. Research the schools your kids would go to and figure out how long it would take them to get there. Find out where the closest grocery store and pharmacy is located. Overall, make sure the area fits your everyday habits.

When touring each house, take photos and make notes. Make sure each home meets your needs. Think about the style of the home: Is it conducive to your lifestyle? Are there enough bedrooms? Enough bathrooms? Does it get enough natural light?

If the home seems to check all of the boxes, it’s time to start thinking about the condition. Keep an eye out for these potential red flags:

• Plumbing and electrical issues
• Poor insulation or problems with the HVAC system
• Issues with the foundation, like slanted floors or significant cracks in the walls
• Visible water damage on ceilings or walls
• Chimneys or gas furnaces that need to be repaired or replaced
• Presence of radon, asbestos, lead paint or carbon monoxide

Although a house in poorer condition may seem like a steal, remember that you’re the one who will be left to make those repairs. Even homes with outdated appliances can be a nuisance because you’re the one who will have to pay to replace them ultimately. So, try to be as realistic as possible as you view each house by thoughtfully considering what you’re willing to live with and what your budget can cover.