Topic 8 of My Little Secrets for Buying a Home

You recognize when you feel that instant attraction and imagine a picture-perfect future together.  You’ve realize you’ve fallen hard…Nope!  I’m not talking about your last date, but rather a home you’ve seen online, at an open house, or even during our afternoon of house hunting.

Buying a home is a lot like falling in love! Expect to go through similar stages of ups and downs. The honeymoon phase, the break up phase, eventually overcoming and learning from your mistakes, and ultimately becoming wiser and more serious on your quest for “the one.”

All is fair in love and war … and house hunting! Here’s my recommendations to make the most of your emotional journey in finding the home that will have your heart

From Hopelessly Devoted to the the One that Got Away…

Don’t worry. Love at first sight happens to home buyers every day.  When we are blinded by love or even lust, we ignore any signs that this isn’t the one that’s really right for us. 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.  

Then there is the devastation of your first heart break. Everyone has one of these. You feel a sense of loss, guilt, and extreme emotions on what you may or may not have done wrong.

Buyers tend to have that too.

Sometimes, losing or missing out on a property you absolutely love will happen before you can get serious (and braver) about home buying.

Here’s what you can learn: 

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

What this means as a buyer: Once you’ve become a serious buyer, you must be ready to make the decision as to whether or not to submit a competitive offer.  Your should be prepared while considering your maximum budget, financing, and deal breakers. You’ve got to get this point BEFORE you begin house hunting.  This 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!

2. 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 keep looking at homes since new inventory and listings will come on the market.

3. 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 heart break 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!

4. 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.  The struggle will be worth it and you’ll end up with a home that is the perfect match for you.

5. Don’t be a fool in love. 

What this means as a buyer: 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.).

6. Never settle for what doesn’t feel right. 

What this means as a buyer: 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.

You will fall in love with the right home and live happily, ever, after in it (at least for a little while)!

It will be a home that works for you, for most of your needs, 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. So,

7. Get your priorities straight. 

What this means for buyers: We can’t stress this enough but make a list of your must-haves and your deal breakers and stick to it!  Don’t be lured by a “hot” looking home when all it might lead to heartbreak down the road for short-term bliss.   

8. 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 have to say.  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.