So, You Want to Buy a House?

I meet with buyers a lot. When we first sit down to do a buyer consultation, the conversation is something you might expect. We talk about the market, the inventory, geographical locations, prices, buyer qualifications, and the complete buying process from A to Z. Wants and needs, timing, and goals are all part of the discussion. Managing expectations and setting the stage for what lies ahead is a critical point of conversation, particularly in today’s market. Frankly, I tell my buyer clients to prepare to compete and to adopt a resilient mindset.

Buying in a Seller’s Market

If you are a buyer in today’s market, you’ll need to be determined. Focused. Purposeful and prepared. It won’t be easy because demand is high, competition is fierce, and inventory is scarce. You’ll have to be determined to stay in the race. You’ll have to be focused on the big picture and prepared to act as soon as a property that meets your parameters comes on the market. And, you’ll need to keep your goal of buying a home a central purpose in your life. It may take time. A long time. You may have to deal with some rejection and you may not get everything you want in a home, but if you stay in the race and stay focused on your pursuit of home ownership, you will eventually find and secure a home. A good home. A home meant for you.

Visualize Your Goal

So, you want to buy a house? Like any endeavor, you first have to begin with the end in mind. Are you are familiar with Stephen Covey’s, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”? If so, you know that beginning with the end in your mind is about starting things off with a clear idea of your destination, so that the steps you take are in the right direction. First,  you create it in your mind,  and then in your physical reality. By visualizing your goal of buying a home, you activate your energy and your necessary faculties to achieve your goal. So, begin with the end in mind. Focus on the type of house, neighborhood, and lifestyle you envision first. What is it you want in a home? Why?  Understanding your “why” will help you to understand the end you are trying to achieve.

Of course, you’ll need some help along the way. That’s where a good Realtor comes in. Someone who understands the process and knows how to get you to your desired destination. Yes, you’ll need all your faculties activated, an abundance of energy, and a whole lot of resilience, but buying a home is doable. It starts with your desire and your vision to do so, but it definitely requires help. The right help. With the appropriate action steps, the wise counsel and guidance from a seasoned professional, and with plenty of purpose and focus, you can achieve the end you have in mind.

Getting Started

To get you started, here’s the first step:

Pick up the phone, email or text a local expert, preferably someone with years of experience, a solid reputation, and strong market knowledge. Get a referral from a close friend or simply interview one or two well-known, experienced agents in your area. Ask for references. Read bios and testimonials, like this one.

Regardless of how you go about it, the key is to make the connection with a trusted real estate advisor and to start the process. If you want to buy a house, begin with a simple, no-pressure, but thorough conversation. Small steps in the right direction can lead to change. Big change. Change like a new house, a new neighborhood, a new future.

The process of buying a home is not simple, but it begins simply enough. It starts with a desire, a vision, and a step.  So, take a step and connect. Connect with an experienced, full-time Realtor who can help you begin the process. A process that will ultimately help you reach your dream and fulfill your vision of home ownership.