Why are some people able to see a few homes and make a decision and others take months some 6 or more? What does the latter group hope to find that the first group recognized right away?
I think some buyers come into the process better prepared and with the right mindset. They have done their homework, talked to a lender, identified how much house they can afford. They have driven different neighborhoods and identified a few they like. Beyond that, a home purchase is an emotional decision.
Does the house feel like home to you…that is different for each of us…maybe it’s the big kitchen you remember as a child…maybe it’s finally getting a larger bedroom, bath and walk-in closet…there is no right answer here.
A good Realtor should be able to hear what you are looking for and turn it into the perfect home you have been dreaming about. A knowledgeable Realtor will direct you to neighborhoods you might not have known about. Communication is the key here.
It’s a journey and it should be a fun one! After all, how many houses does the average person buy in a lifetime.
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A well thought out post! It's particularly tough for first time buyers. I think the best help anyone get get is to be asked first to describe the preferred location characteristics which will enable narrowing down the locations in which to look. After one finds the right lot in the right neighborhood, almost any structure that is on it can be altered to suit – even if it has to happen over time.
22 years ago I gave up a lot of the size and type of house I wanted to get what I thought was the near-perfect (and unattainable), location. I've been able to modify the house to my liking without too much trouble but couldn't have modified the location nearly so easily!