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It's part of the American dream to find the best house, so let us help you by giving you some things to keep in mind.

Looking to buy a home in the near future? While this is an exciting time, it can also be stressful. We here at HER, REALTORS®, are always looking out for you, so here are some great house hunting tips that come heavily recommended.

1. Budget, Budget, Budget

We know the pain of missing out on a house right when you’ve fallen in love with it because the price is just a little bit out of your range. But it’s important to follow your budget and stick to houses within your price range to make sure you have plenty left over for any furniture and other necessities you may need to pick up.

Plus, this will show banks that you’re fiscally responsible and can be trusted with a loan if you’re going for a homeowners’ loan. It will also be better for your credit later on, especially when you aren’t stuck with mortgage payments for way longer than you were expecting.

This is why, before scouting a home, you need to determine how much mortgages you can pay. Typically, the cost of a home should not exceed three to five times your annual household income, even if you intend to spend at least 20% of the down payment.

2. Rely On Your Realtor

Your realtor has been in this business for a long time and knows a lot of tips and tricks for getting your dream house for the best deal. They also have your best interests in mind, and they will have a lot of recommendations on what to jump at and what is maybe okay to compromise on for right now. They’re always willing to take you aside and strategize to make sure you’re getting what you want.

If you have relayed your specifications to your realtor, they will try to find the best match for you. Realtors have an extensive list of sellers on their database and have used modern technology to please their clients. 

3. Prioritize Needs Over Wants

I know it’s so tempting to wait for a house that’s everything you’ve ever wanted, from the hardwood floors to the stainless-steel counters with a convenient island. But it isn’t always possible to get everything you want, and you can always renovate later. It’s better to pick a house with things you need, like a short commute and a good school district, before you go for things inside the house that you can change later. This doesn’t mean you should compromise everything that would make a house a home for you, but just keep in mind that realistic expectations will always make the final choice seem even better!

4. Don’t Fall In Love

You aren’t getting married to your house; you’re just buying it. Much like choosing a college, choosing a house and falling in love with it can lead you to make poor financial decisions and might leave you will a lot of regrets once the sparkliness of new love wears off. Definitely trust your instincts (and your realtors’) but don’t let emotions make a choice for you. It’s important to love your new home, but if it isn’t the right one for you, you may need to be willing to let it go.

This saves you from heartache when you find that the home is hiding some sinister secret if you have expressed your wanton desire to sign the deal and transfer the money right away. 

5. Get To Know The Neighborhood

A house may feel perfect and be in a great school district, but until you get to know the neighborhood itself, you won’t be able to know whether it’s a good fit or not. Some neighborhoods are very community-oriented and have lots of great bonding activities, while others are quieter and don’t tend to have parades or block parties. So get to know the neighborhood a little bit by stopping by and seeing if they have a listserv, a newsletter, or any other ways for you to get the lay of the land.

If you intend to stay in this community for an extended period, you may want to know who you’ll be dealing with most of the time. 

Of course, there will be instances where you may need to have somebody watch over your little puppy when you go on a holiday. Is the community friendly enough to meet your request?  If it isn’t the case, you may want to sharpen your interpersonal skills since it takes a village to raise a child.  And you will definitely need the community’s help in this arena. 

While moving can be hard, especially if it’s somewhere far away, HER hopes these tips for helping you find a new house smooth the transition. Of course, the most important thing to do is to make sure you find a house that feels right for you and like it can become a home.

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