Discovering the ideal property for you and your family bears similarities to finding the perfect companion. Finding the right partner may take some time, but once you do, you’ll know you always have someone who understands you. The same applies to purchasing a home. Fortunately, it’s far simpler to discover the ideal house than it is to find the perfect mate. With little preparation and effort, you can move into a home that suits you. Below are our top tips:

Research before looking

Recognize the kind of house that best fits your style. Which type of house—new or old—do you prefer? Is it a multistory house or a ranch? Make a list of the qualities you most desire in a home and note which are essentials and bonuses. Determine the commute times, schools, recreational opportunities, crime rates, and living costs in three or four communities.

Next, examine online real estate listings to get a sense of the styles available in the neighborhood, visit review websites, and find out how walkable a neighborhood is. You can also conduct in-person research by visiting potential locations. A weekend touring the area by car or foot might help you understand the location you might eventually call home.

Understand your finances

Lenders typically say you can buy a property two to three times your gross annual salary. Make a budget to determine how much you can afford to pay for housing each month. Don’t wait until you have located an ideal property to look into financing. Collect your financial documentation and schedule an appointment with a lender for a prequalification letter that outlines your loan amount eligibility.

Utilize a real estate agent.

You can find estate agents by requesting recommendations from people you can trust. Find out which agents are knowledgeable about the communities and kinds of homes you are interested in by having interviews with them. Inquire further about the agent’s expertise in buyer representation. Buyers’ representatives represent you exclusively, even if the seller usually pays them, unlike listing agents, who have the seller as their primary priority.

Have your future in mind.

Think about what suits you both now and during your home search. You should aim to spend five to seven years—or possibly longer—in your new residence. Doing this can increase your equity and pay down your mortgage. Therefore, you must consider your future needs. For instance, you might require one or more additional bedrooms if you intend to have children.

Look past the shortcomings.

Most likely, the houses you view won’t contain everything on your wish list unless you’re incredibly fortunate. It still has the potential to become your ideal home, though. The secret is to examine the home’s structural integrity beneath its surface visual flaws.

Obtain a home assessment.

Obtain a home inspection from a qualified home inspector to avoid any unpleasant surprises, regardless of the property’s appearance. A competent house inspector can tell you everything from the roof’s age to any future issues with the water heater.

Wrapping up

Finding your ideal house is possible if you maintain flexibility and willingness to make concessions.