(And Why They Matter WAY More Than You Think)
In this 8-part series, How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to buy a home you actually love, one that fits your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget. Because your first home? It’s usually the stepping stone to your next one. So let’s set you up right from the start.
There is a simple, step-by-step way to find the right home without regretting your decision later. But it does take a little patience upfront. Trust me: doing these steps in order makes the whole process smoother, faster, and way less stressful when it’s time to write that offer.
Before we dive in, make sure you’ve already gone through the first part of this series, 12 Questions to Answer Before You Step Foot in an Open House. That helps you lock in your deal breakers, must-haves, and lifestyle goals.
Now you’re ready for the next three big steps, the ones buyers skip all the time… and end up paying for later.
1. Be 100% Sure You Actually Want to Be a Homeowner
A lot of people start touring houses before they even decide if buying is truly right for them.
Their friends are buying, they’re tired of renting, they just turned 30… and suddenly Zillow becomes a daily scroll.
But here’s the truth:
Looking at homes won’t magically help you decide if you’re ready.
If anything, it can push you into rushing a huge decision you’re not committed to.
Buying a home is a 3–5+ year commitment. You want to make that decision first, fully and confidently, before you start the search.
Once you’re clear that, “Yes, I’m ready to be a homeowner,” the whole process becomes easier. You’re committed, you’re steady, and you’re not bouncing around hoping the “perfect” house will convince you.
Make the decision first.
Then start the journey.
That’s how you avoid mistakes and stay excited all the way to closing day.
2. Slow Down. Rushing Leads to Regret
This one hits home for a lot of buyers:
Once you decide you’re ready to buy, you suddenly want a house right now.
Totally normal… but dangerous.
That “I’m ready, let’s go!” energy can make you fall into what I call immediate gratification mode, and then you end up choosing the wrong home because you were excited.
Buying a home is just like dating:
You don’t marry the first person you grab coffee with just because you’re ready for a relationship.
Same thing here.
Once you’ve committed to buying, slow down enough to really find the home that fits the life you want to live over the next few years.
Take a breath, enjoy the process, learn as you go, and let the right home reveal itself.
You’ll be so glad you didn’t rush it.
3. Decide Who’s Going to Represent You
Your agent matters so much more than most people think.
You want someone who’s experienced with:
- The area you’re buying in
- Your price point
- The type of home you want
- The loan programs you’re most likely to use
Not every agent is the right fit for every buyer.
Start with referrals, but only from people who bought something similar to what you want. Their experience will be more relevant.
Once you’ve got a shortlist, reach out to 2–3 agents and ask them:
- How they work
- What areas they specialize in
- What they’ve sold recently
- How they help first-time buyers
Then sit down with them for an initial consultation.
You don’t need to know everything, that’s literally what the meeting is for. A good agent will teach you the process, break down your financing options, explain current market conditions, and help you figure out what’s realistic.
And be honest with them. You’ll feel quickly whether the vibe is right.
This is someone you’ll spend hours in the car with, texting constantly, sharing your hopes and fears with, so compatibility counts.
When you find the right person, they’ll understand you, anticipate what you want, and help you avoid homes that don’t fit your goals.
You Did It! You Didn’t Skip the Big 3!
Now that you’ve knocked out the most commonly skipped steps, you’re in great shape to move on to the next part of the process: how to actually budget and pay for your new home.
That’s what we’ll dig into next week in How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget.
You’re on the right path, keep going!
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buyer
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