Seven Deadly Sins of House Hunting

House hunting can be an exciting time, but the thrill of finding your dream home can quickly turn into a nightmare if you fall prey to the seven deadly sins of house hunting. Let’s explore these sins and how to avoid them.

1. Lust

Lust is the first deadly sin of house hunting. It occurs when you fall in love with a house that is beyond your budget or not practical for your needs. It’s essential to keep a level head when searching for a home and set a realistic budget that considers your income, expenses, and other financial obligations.

2. Gluttony

Gluttony in house hunting is the act of seeing too many homes, resulting in analysis paralysis. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when searching for a home, especially with the vast amount of information available online. Make a list of must-haves and stick to it to avoid wasting time on properties that don’t meet your criteria.

3. Greed

Greed is the desire to get the best deal, which can result in low-balling or bidding wars. While it’s essential to negotiate the best price, don’t let greed cloud your judgment. A low-ball offer can offend the seller, while bidding wars can drive up the price beyond your budget.

4. Sloth

Sloth in house hunting is the failure to act in a timely manner. Our current market may not be moving as quickly as it did in 2020 and 2021, but it’s still pretty darn fast. Evaluate pertinent information then make a decision, whether that be to view a home or put in an offer. Losing the home of your dreams because you didn’t move quickly enough is a regret you want to avoid!

5. Wrath

Wrath in house hunting is the frustration that comes with a competitive market. It’s easy to get angry when you lose out on a property or face unreasonable demands from the seller. Take a deep breath and keep a level head. Remember, there are other homes out there.

6. Envy

Envy in house hunting is the desire to keep up with the Joneses. It’s easy to fall in love with a home because of its amenities, size, or location, even if it’s not practical for your needs. Don’t let envy lead you astray. Focus on what you need in a home and what fits your lifestyle.

7. Pride

Pride in house hunting is the belief that you know best. While it’s essential to trust your instincts, it’s also important to listen to the advice of professionals. A real estate agent, home inspector, or mortgage broker can provide valuable insights that you may not have considered.

Now that you know what NOT to do, hear are a few tips that will ensure you stay far away from these deadly house-hunting sins:

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you narrow your search to properties within your budget and avoid falling in love with a home that’s out of your reach.

2.  Make a list of must-haves and deal breakers. This will help you stay focused on properties that meet your needs                and avoid seeing too many properties that don’t fit your criteria.

3. Work with a real estate agent. They can help you navigate the market, find properties that meet your needs, and                negotiate a fair price.

4. Get a home inspection. This will help you uncover any hidden issues with the property and negotiate repairs                      with the seller.

5. Be patient. House hunting can take time, but it’s important to stay focused on your goals and not settle for a                     property that doesn’t meet your needs.

BONUS TIP: Having a REALTOR that truly listens to your wishes and has your best interests in mind is the best way to avoid the 7 Deadly Sins of House Hunting. Happy hunting!