What I Wish Buyers Knew Before They Start House Hunting

Before you start scrolling listings and saving homes like it’s a full-time hobby (we’ve all been there), there are a few things I really wish buyers knew going in.

First: the perfect house rarely exists. Most great homes check a lot of boxes, not all of them. Location, layout, light, and potential usually matter more than the cosmetic things that can be changed later. If you wait for perfect, you might miss out on really good.

Second: numbers matter more than vibes — at least at the beginning. Knowing your realistic budget, monthly comfort zone, and how competitive you can be makes the whole process less stressful. It’s not the fun part, but it’s the part that keeps you from falling in love with something that isn’t actually an option.

Another big one: photos can be misleading. Some homes show better online than in real life, and some don’t photograph well at all but feel amazing in person. Seeing homes in person is where things really click.

And finally, house hunting is emotional. It’s exciting, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming — often all in the same day. That’s normal. The key is having a plan, staying flexible, and remembering that the right home usually reveals itself when you least expect it.

A little preparation goes a long way, and starting with the right expectations makes the entire experience smoother (and way more enjoyable).