Home Buying 101: Ways to Know You’ve Found the Right House

                                                                                                                      Finding your dream house is both an emotional process and a major commitment. It is important to look for a property that resonates with your being and fits your price range.  It is also crucial to be strategic and realistic, so you must have several choices to look into before making a final decision. You should avoid rushing into a decision that you will regret after a year or two. Remember that it is frustrating to stay in a house that you hate, so be very careful when considering the different options. Buying a house entails agreeing to a long-term commitment that comes along with ownership.                                                                                                                                                                                                       But, how would you know that you’ve found the house of your dreams? Here are some signs that will prompt you when you finally see the property that is commitment worthy and the right ‘one’: 

You feel a strong attachment to the property

First impressions are everything for homeowners. You may feel a simple tug in your heart or a fleeting image in your mind that reminds you of a happy feeling in the past when you see the beautiful pictures in the listing. Perhaps, it brings you down the memory lane when you spent time in your grandparent’s home or vacation home where your parents brought you during your childhood. It can be the ‘one’ if the house gives you happy thoughts and memories.                                                                                                                                                                                          And while checking all the other pictures and seeing how aesthetically pleasing and charming it is, you cannot wait to see it for yourself. It is also important to view it from a functional perspective. When both of these elements suit your specifics, your next step is to check the actual property. 

You’re excited to tour the house

If you are ready to hop in your car and tour the house, it can be a sign that the property matches your energy. When you park on the curb and see the exterior of the house, you can imagine yourself going in and out the door with your family.                                                                                             

• What do you feel?
• Does it satisfy you?
• Is it calling you to go inside?
• Does it embrace you as soon as you enter?

You will validate and find answers to all these questions in about 3 seconds of entering. If you feel at home, comforted, and warm, the house is speaking to you and inviting you to explore it. Pay attention to what you feel in every room, including the bathroom. If you are comfortable walking inside and checking the features, then it is your home.                                                    

• Are you satisfied with the layout and structure?
• Can you envision yourself and your family living in this place?
• Do you see yourself cooking in the kitchen or reading a book in your bedroom?
• Are you already thinking of repainting the walls and adding some elements that would make it your home?
• Do you feel safe?
• Do you feel happy?

You are already envisioning your life there

If you are already planning, they are positive indicators that you’ve found your dream property. As you go around the house, you immediately envision the arrangement of the furniture and appliances. As soon as you walk inside the master bedroom, you know where you are going to position the bed. Perhaps you are even thinking about the particular spot in the living room where you will put the family Christmas tree.                                                                                                                                    Investing in real estate is vital to your future. So, you need to make sure that your purchase is a good fit for your current lifestyle and your foreseeable future. Can you see yourself living in this home for the next 5 years? If the house is already fitting in your future life, then it suits your personality. It is essential to factor in your future plans when you are doing a house search. 

You feel the need to defend the house

Do you feel defensive when the real estate agent points out some flaws or comments negatively in some features? For example, he says, “this should be removed if I were you because it seems out of place.” He is merely stating his observation or a fact, but if you feel that you need to defend the house like it is yours, then that can be another sign to consider. While the flaws in other houses you visited leaped out at you, you only notice the positives in this house. You don’t even consider them as flaws but projects to take care of. 

You feel excited to brag about the house

You can’t help but take a few photos and send them to your parents or friends, excitedly telling them about how it perfectly fits your needs. You are already planning to return and take your best friend or your sister with you to check it out.

You are not keen on looking for other options

It may sound like a cliché, but finding your dream home is like falling in love with the right person. Once you meet your soulmate, you will not be interested in dating someone else. All you want is to know the person more deeply. In house-hunting, this translates to not wanting to visit other options because they no longer appeal to you. It seems that the other options pale in comparison and the need to see other houses fizzle down. And when you visit the other properties, you can plainly see that each property is not measuring up.                                                                                                                                                                                 Moreover, your mind is already full of ideas about the house you visited, and nothing will satisfy you but having the house keys in your possession. You are excited to make it a ‘real home’ and want to sign the documents of ownership. 

You can afford to buy it

                                                                                                                    With all things in your must-have list considered, you cannot believe that its price is within your budget. The mortgage does not exceed 30% of your monthly take-home pay, or buying it will not deplete your savings. Just make sure that the Air Conditioning (AC) system, roofing, and plumbing are all in excellent condition so you won’t be having immediate or unexpected expenses that can affect your budget.                                                                                                                                                      If the house would cause you to work beyond your regular schedules, so you can afford to pay for it, then it is not for you. Your ideal home should comfort you and give you peace of mind, not constantly remind you of the high mortgage payment. 

You love the location and neighborhood

Location is a significant factor when choosing a house property. If it is near your workplace, schools, and commercial establishments, it is convenient for you and your family. Your new home location must fit your lifestyle and everyday routine. You should also consider the extracurricular activities of your children, your proximity to your family or friends, and recreational areas.                                                                                                                                                                                      You need to remember that when you buy a property, you become part of the small community in your neighborhood. So, you should check out the available amenities that it offers.                                                                         

• Is it near banks and grocery stores? 
• Are there recreation areas where your children can play with other kids? 
• Are there entertainment spots like bars and restaurants where you can have some night dates with your partner?
• Is it a safe and peaceful area?
• What is the crime rate? 

You tick most of the boxes on your list

Ideally, the house must meet all your must-haves. Your list should include all your wants and your family’s needs. You also need to consider your lifestyle. When house-hunting, it is important to stick to your list and avoid compromising your priorities. If the property adequately meets your requirement list, it is another indicator that it is the ‘one.’                                                                                                                                               Even if some amenities are lacking, but it still meets your basic requirements like the space you need or the number of rooms, then you must go for it. If you do not have a garage but have extra space, you can construct one if needed. When you feel that the lack of some features is not as important as before and you can afford to be flexible, those signs indicate that you have the ideal property.

You can see its potential

Even if the property matches the majority of your must-haves, you still need to plan for some elements of compromise. It includes adding an annex structure, redoing the kitchen, or putting in new hardwood floors.  These potentials aim to make your house more charming or elegant and, in turn, make you and your family happy. When considering potentials, it may refer to manageable aesthetic changes or functional/structural improvements. 

Final thoughts

                                                                                                                    So you found the ideal home, what’s next for you? While it is wise to take your time weighing the pros and cons, you need to act fast, or you will lose it. You cannot afford to be heartbroken by losing the piece of property that suits your needs and lifestyle. However, since buying a house is a major financial decision, you should be cautious but decisive because it’s time-sensitive. Lastly, trust your gut, and you will never go wrong.