The sun is shining and the temperature is warm, which means popular neighborhoods will be bustling with soon-to-be-residents looking for their new home. According to several studies, the spring months leading into June are some of the most expensive times to buy a home, as many people are looking to settle into their new residency over the summer. If your new job or family life requires you to join the rush this spring, here are a few steps to follow as you scour the cities.

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Act Fast!

One of the simplest and most important tips from real estate blog Trulia is to be quick but careful. You certainly don’t want to make a rash decision, but with higher stakes, you will certainly have less time to mull things over than you would like. To combat this problem, go into your house hunt with a clear idea of what you are looking for, so when you cut to the chase and final offers are required, you can make a decision quickly and confidently knowing what you want.

Know the Neighborhood

According to a tip by The Balance, hiring a neighborhood specialist can work wonders. Finding someone who knows the neighborhood, but is also well-respected amongst locals will help to give you an edge in a highly competitive playing field.

Prepare for both List Prices and Bidding Wars

The Balance also notes that during spring buying time, you may be forced to pay full price. Do your research and ask your agent to help determine what the house is worth, but springtime is not the best season to nickel-and-dime prices. As long as you can afford the home you want, it may be worth coughing up a few extra dollars to make sure you don’t lose out to someone else.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

An article by Forbes recommends looking over smaller details to help you achieve the big picture. Small details such as bad paint jobs, outdated kitchen cabinets, and carpeted floors may have originally been turn-offs, but they can are fixable (while not getting a house in the neighborhood at all is harder to handle). Especially with fewer houses available, it is always best to take all of your options into consideration, especially if the older house’s location is a prime spot.

Bonus Buying

Finally, The Balance recommends making yourself stand out amongst the crowd when trying to appeal to sellers. Just as you are overwhelmed with your buying options, sellers are even more overwhelmed with their selling options. Easy offers such as allowing them an extra day to move out, helping with furniture, or letting them keep their car parked in the driveway for a week are gestures that can go a long way in a fierce environment. In the end, the buying and selling process is about making things better for both parties, as both sides prepare to move into a new home.

As you step outside this spring, be aware that prices will fall again this autumn. Make the most of this busy time by keeping close contact with your agent, and realizing what works best for you.