Don’t make this house hunting mistake: do NOT settle for or on the first house you see. In my mind, it is a fundamentally easier said than done topic. Yes, ultimately, you may come back to this home, after finding that others do not measure up. But at the end of the day, you absolutely need a benchmark of comparison.
The Pressure of Finding the Right One
You are likely going to feel an inordinate amount of pressure when house hunting. Sentiments like: “I/we said we are buying so we MUST find the perfect house” “there is no inventory” “what if someone gets it before me?” and “It’s perfect” (but it’s the first house you’ve seen) will be uttered or cross your mind often. However, it is imperative to decouple the emotion and excitement of house shopping with reality.
Reality Check:
Trying to fight all the emotions, while staying rational and trying to make informed decisions while listening to your gut can feel and is exhausting. There are ways to address all the concerns you have. I promise, at some point, you will get a house and it will be right for all the right reasons. Above all, be honest and upfront with your real estate agent. It allows us to know how to shape, evolve and cooperate with others regarding your search.
Plus – house hunting can be fun. Look at different neighborhoods, see how you could envision yourself living in an area, look at what others have done with their places and spaces.
Making House Hunting Mistakes:
It is inevitable – you will make some house hunting mistakes. While everyone strives for a seamless transaction – there are things about home buying you can control and things you (sadly/frustratingly/annoyingly) cannot. Things like settling on a home, skipping inspections and ignoring things important to you will detract from the place you are looking to call home.
Will you be house hunting in St. Augustine, St. Johns and the Jacksonville Metro area? Do you need or want some support for your search and to know how to avoid a house hunting mistake? Feel free to reach out to me for a consultation to discuss what brings you to the area along with what you are hoping to find in a home. I am happy to see what options are available and how I can best support your needs. I also have a rental property available in St. Augustine should you not yet be ready to buy.