Buying your first home is exciting. But I bet you’re imagining a lot of unknowns. One burning question many first-time homebuyers ask: “How many homes should we look at before we make an offer?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, exploring a variety of homes is essential to finding the perfect match for your needs, preferences, and budget.
Have an idea of what you want
At the beginning, this might be… everything! But before we dive into home showings, I like to help you to understand your general needs and priorities – things like the size of the home, the number of bedrooms, proximity to schools and work, and the overall lifestyle you envision. This helps us narrow down the search from the beginning so that you won’t waste a lot of time looking at houses that aren’t a good fit.
Keep a separate wish list
As you define your priorities, you’ll realize that there are lots of things that would be nice to have, but might not be essential. Keep these separate to start. As you start looking at houses, you may find yourself swapping some items from one list to another.
Learn from each viewing
Every house you see gives you the opportunity to refine your priorities and determine what are real deal-breakers. Pay attention to the layout, the condition, and unique features of each property. Maybe you’ll decide a spacious backyard is more important than that open-concept kitchen you were imagining. Or maybe the neighbourhood is a higher priority than the size of your home.
Get price savvy
Woodstock and some of the surrounding communities are known for their affordable real estate, making this area an attractive destination for first-time homebuyers. Of course, it’s important to establish a realistic budget and stick to it. As you view homes within your price range, you’ll better understand the market and identify reasonable price points for the features you desire. You’ll also get insight into areas where you might negotiate.
How many houses should first-time Woodstock homebuyers view before buying? Is there a magic number?
I usually find that after you’ve seen around seven homes, you’ve got a better handle on the market, what’s available in your price range, what neighbourhoods you’re drawn to, and what features are truly important to you.
But the process is unique for everyone, and you should trust your instinct. It’s as much about discovering what you prefer and what’s important to you as it is about finding the perfect house.
By exploring a variety of homes, paying attention to your reactions, and working with knowledge and guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect home in Woodstock or elsewhere in the area.
Don’t forget to download your free First Time Homebuyers Guide.
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