Real estate pros share the indicators that youve discovered your dream home.
TRIA GIOVAN
You never know when youll find your perfect home.
Sometimes you get lucky, and its your first afternoon out.
Credit:TRIA GIOVAN
Or maybe youve been looking for long enough that you start to doubt the possibility.
Here, real estate pros relay the clear indicators that you have, indeed, found your dream home.
Its Within Your Budget
No home, however perfect-seeming, is worth spreading yourself thin financially.
Johnson recommends setting a purchase price cap during the pre-approval process.
You Cant Help But Linger
If youve spent any timehouse hunting, you know the drill: Walk in.
Until there comes a home that you cant pull yourself away from, that is.
They make an immediate connection with a feature.
They cant help but be excited.
The excitement takes over pretty quickly if its the right house, Ertmer says.
Theyll basically take mental ownership and startplacing furniture.
Another subtle shift that often comes with this sign?
Organically switching the word house out in favor of the word home.
You Like the Location
Dont underestimatelocations importance.
The roof,HVAC, and water heater are among the most pricey to replace, Johnson says.
If the home is older, add updated plumbing and electrical, too.
To this end, find a highly reviewed inspector, and read their inspection report carefully.
Perfection isnt realistic, and maintenance is part of homeownership.
It Just Feels Right
Finally, theres the intangible connection.
The knowing sense that, for whatever reason, this is a place where youre meant to be.
Johnsons watched it happen, where the enigmatic fit is so right that the strict checklist is suddenly forgotten.
Theres a shift in their thinking.
They get super excited.
They start looking past small physical imperfections to see the bigger picture, he says.
