Shop Available Inventory

The beginning of the best part of home owning. SHOPPING!!!

After preparing your financial documents, and submitting those to a lender, hopefully you'll have received back from them a pre-approval letter or a pre-qualification letter. Either should give you some ability to now start looking at getting a home. Before you start your search, there's a couple of things to get clear on before you step into your first home, and some things to keep in consider to make for a successful search experience.

---

What to Get Clear on Before Beginning your Search

Before you start touring homes, take time to define your priorities, research neighborhoods, and fully understand your budget to ensure a smart and efficient search.

✅ Define Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves – Separate absolute necessities (number of bedrooms, location, price range) from wish-list items (updated kitchen, finished basement, large backyard). This helps you stay focused and avoid getting distracted by cosmetic features.

✅ Research Neighborhoods in Advance – Look into home values, school ratings, crime statistics, commute times, and future developments. Even if you don’t have kids, a strong school district can increase property value. Visit at different times of the day to get a real sense of the area.

✅ Understand Your True Budget – Being pre-approved tells you what you can afford, but that doesn’t mean you should max out your budget. Factor in:

• Property taxes & homeowners insurance

• HOA fees (if applicable)

• Maintenance & repairs (older homes may require more)

• Utilities & daily costs specific to the home’s size and location

✅ Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified – A pre-approval (vs. pre-qualification) means a lender has verified your financials, making your offer stronger and more competitive, especially in a hot market.

👉 Pro Tip: Use the 28/36 rule—your mortgage payment should be no more than 28% of your gross monthly income, and total monthly debt (including the mortgage) should stay below 36%.

---

Strategies for an Enjoyable & Smart Home Search

Touring homes can be exciting but overwhelming. To stay focused and make confident decisions, use these strategies:

✅ Limit Home Tours to 3-5 Per Day – Seeing too many homes at once can cause details to blur together. Take notes, snap photos, and rank each home based on your must-haves.

✅ Check Beyond the Aesthetics – Pay attention to functionality:

• Test water pressure in sinks & showers

• Open closets to check storage space

• Look at natural light at different times of day

• Listen for noise levels (traffic, neighbors, etc.)

✅ Be Ready to Act Quickly in Competitive Markets – Homes can sell within days, so if you find the right one, be prepared to make a strong offer fast. Consider:

• Offering slightly above asking price (if competition is high)

• Including an escalation clause (automatically increases your offer if others bid higher)

• Limiting contingencies (while still protecting yourself)

✅ Stay Flexible & Keep Emotions in Check – No home is 100% perfect. Focus on what matters most, and don’t let emotions drive you into a rushed or overpriced purchase.

✅ Work with a Trusted Real Estate Agent – A knowledgeable agent can guide you through market trends, negotiations, and potential red flags.

👉 Pro Tip: If a home is slightly over budget, ask the seller to cover closing costs instead of negotiating the price down—it can save you thousands upfront.