Sometimes finding the right home can be challenging. There are so many variables to consider, and the fast-paced cycle of touring homes can be demanding. We want you to savor the experience and hopefully make buying a home more enjoyable. Besides, finding a home that makes you happy should be an exciting time! 

So, instead of making a checklist of strict requirements, maybe it's time to get out there and start touring houses. You never know what you might find. Especially during a time of low inventory and extreme buyer's demand, if you're thinking about buying a home, now is the time to get out there and get in some houses. 

You'll Never Know Until You Tour

You might have a baseline idea of what you desire from a new home. Many new home buyers are looking for ample office space due to the recent work-from-home trend. Other homebuyers are touring every home they think they might like. Sometimes you have to get inside a house to know whether it's the right fit. 

Pictures Don't Tell The Whole Story

What you see online is just a snapshot of the bigger picture that you can only know if you step foot inside the home. An image might make a room look smaller or larger than in reality. Lighting and shadows can play tricks on photos, and you get a more accurate feeling of the size of the home once you're inside. 

You Might Find Something New

Realtors are human. They might forget to mention something important about the home. Besides, the online description can only say so many details about the home. Once you enter the home and are in front of the realtor, you can ask as many questions as you'd like and spend more time evaluating every inch of the home.

Also, you could find something that you didn't know you'd like. You may have never thought about buying a house with a large back yard until you find a home with an incredible back yard and fall in love. Wood flooring may have never been your style until you walk into a home with brand new wood flooring. You may never consider these details unless you get inside the home and see it for yourself.

Prices Are Negotiable

The selling agent might not mention that the listing price is rarely what the house is sold for. If a home seems out of your price range, there's usually some wiggle room. If it's close to your max budget, give it a try and take the tour. You might fall in love and decide the extra money is worth the investment. It's hard to put a price on happiness. You may also find an aspect of the house that allows you to negotiate the price down to a more reasonable number. It may be listed too high, and you're missing out on a wonderful opportunity. You never know until you tour the home and get in front of the seller. 

How Will I Know If The Home Is Right? 

Once you get inside the home, you might have a thousand questions. Once you've toured several homes, there are likely many unanswered questions floating around that will help you make your decision on which home is right for you. To help unravel some of these questions, here are some suggestions on important variables that should go into deciding on buying a home that you'll love. 

It Feels Right

Trust your gut. Nothing can replace the feeling of pure joy and comfort you feel when you walk into a home that you love. If you can see yourself living comfortably in that home, that's a great sign. If it feels like home from the moment you walk in, then maybe you've found the right place. 

On the other hand, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the home, take note of that too. If you don't absolutely love it when you walk in the door, chances are there's a reason for that. It's like shopping for clothes. If you don't love it in the store, you'll probably never wear it. If you don't love the home's first impression, you may never like it. 

You Start Making Plans

Another great sign you're in the right home is if you can start making plans before you buy it. For example, if you walk into a room and say, "I could see us hosting guests in this room," or "my furniture would fit great right there," those are both great indicators that you would be comfortable in that home.

You might even start making plans for other people in your life. Having thoughts like "my kids would love this room" or "this reminds me of my parents," mean you're comparing the house to your current home. Nostalgia is an instant positive. It's easy to enjoy a home that reminds you of your family. 

It Meets Your Requirements

Of course, the house has to check all of your basic requirements. Getting an emotional connection to the home is a great sign, but it still has to fit your must-haves list. If you need three bedrooms for your family and the house only has two, it might not be plausible, even if you get an excellent first impression. You can always make adjustments to your must-haves, but don't sell yourself short.  

Your Finances Are Safe

As we said earlier, you can't put a price on happiness, but don't do anything that will put you in a bad spot. There is a difficult balance between finding a great home and making sure you can afford it. Before you commit, make sure you can afford the monthly payments using an online mortgage calculator or speaking to one of our mortgage professionals. Sometimes a seller will work with you if you really like the home. Regardless, don't take on more than your finances can handle. The stress of making a larger payment than necessary will overwhelm you and take away from the joy of living in your home. 

It Surpasses Your Expectations

This is the home! It covers all of your "deal-breakers," is under your budget requirements, and it even has a walk-in closet! You finally found the home surpasses all of your expectations. If you know the home is right, don't wait. If you know that everything is right, there's no reason to sleep on it or wait until you see other homes. If the home is perfect for you, take advantage of the opportunity to buy it! The market is extremely competitive right now, and waiting any long might be the difference in whether they accept your offer or someone else steals the house. 

Talk With Your Agent

If there is any question in your mind about whether the house is right for you, feel free to run your thoughts by your agent. That's why they're here; to help you find the right home and answer any questions you might have. They have probably seen several similar houses to the one you're looking to buy. They can tell you whether it's listed at a fair price or if they think it is a good fit for what you want. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you're unsure about a particular house.