Let's Ask Katie - February 2025

Let’s Ask Katie

Expert Advice for all your Real Estate questions from Katie Machoskie

Happy New Year Katie,

We are starting to look for a home and we know our price range and have an idea of features we’d like it to have.  How will we know it’s the right home for us?

Nicole, Newport Coast

Happy New Year Nicole! 

Finding the right house is a little like dating and falling in love. It may take a few “dates” before you find “the one,” so start visiting Open Houses and tour homes with your agent. It’s a good idea to create a wish list of specific features that are important to you (things like no road noise, a gated community, exterior styles you like and dislike, bedroom and bathroom counts, etc). Keep in mind, your wish list may need to be a bit flexible. It’s a good idea to decide on what features are non-negotiable. My funny husband always tells me, “You can have anything you want, but you can’t have it all.” Buying a home is a significant milestone for any homebuyer. Below are five indicators that you have discovered your perfect, “one true love” home:

1. Emotional Connection: When stepping into the house, you’ll feel an immediate sense of belonging. This emotional connection can manifest as a feeling of comfort and excitement, signaling that the house feels like home. I always say, it will “click” with you as soon as you’re inside.

2. Meets Key Criteria: The house checks off all the important boxes on your  wish list, including location, size, finishes, and amenities. When a property aligns with the buyer’s essential needs and desires, it’s a strong sign it could be the right fit.

3. Imagining the Future: Can you envision yourself living there? Can you imagine daily routines and future events? This ability to mentally move in suggests a strong match.

4. No Major Compromises: While no house is perfect, the right one doesn’t require significant compromises. You should feel satisfied with the trade-offs you make.

5. Competitive Urgency: A sense of urgency to make an offer often indicates that buyers have found a home they don’t want to lose to another buyer.