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House Hunting Tips

“Our house is a very very very fine house.”  If you are a person of “mature” years, you might recognize those song lyrics.  Every time I see the words “Our House,” I think of that song. But I am digressing already… This post is actually about house hunting tips, and my husband and I have some experience with that! So, if you’re a first time buyer, or even if you’re experienced in home buying, read on.

house hunting tips

Many times over the course of our marriage, my husband and I have gone house hunting. Five years ago, we bought our present home, after a long search.

Our previous home was a cute, blue frame house my husband bought when he was single and 24.  It wasn’t an impressive house, but it held years of memories.

House Hunting Tips

The house was small by today’s (and even yesterday’s) standards, but what it lacked in square footage on the inside, it made up on the outside.  We loved our backyard, and that’s why it was so difficult to find another house.  It had woods and a creek behind, (woods that are home to otters, coyotes (true – we saw the pups, and yes, even a rare snake.) 

Our current house was a modest move up, and I’m happy to say, it backs to woods, too. It has a somewhat open floor plan and much more room to move around.  We’ve learned a lot about curb appeal and ways to make our home’s individual spaces more functional. (I especially love my creative space.)

backyard view

It was so difficult for us to choose a house – so many trade offs, so many compromises. We learned a LOT about house hunting.

House Hunting Tips:

  • It’s important to go with your gut feeling when it comes to location. We spent the summer needlessly  viewing homes that were really not where we wanted to live, even though they were great neighborhoods, figuring that expanding our search would help us find one quicker.  We found quite a few nice houses that were just too far away from “home.”
  • Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Be sure to find out how much you qualify for. Knowing this beforehand is important and can help when you make an offer on a home.
  • There will always be a compromise, unless you are building a brand new house. Decide which things are most important to you – open floor plan, nice yard backing to trees, walk in closets, updated kitchen, 3 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms – you will not get them all.
  • Horizontal cracks in the foundation might be BAD.
  • Don’t drink too much coffee before you leave for a Sunday afternoon open house outing. (This I know from experience. Enough said.)

We’ve learned more than that of course. For me, I think the biggest tip (and one that I should have considered more) was the one about compromises. We passed on so many houses that I would choose, now, if we were hunting again.

I hope these tips help your home buying a little easier and that you find your perfect home!

Linking to:

French Ethereal, Mostly Blogging, Esme Salon

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14 Comments

  1. This is some VERY good advice. We have lived at about 10 different addresses in the 10 years we have been married (including three home purchases), so I can feel your pain in finding the perfect place. So glad for you that you can take your time in looking and find JUST the right thing. Good luck!

  2. Caren– You are completely feeling our pain! Yes, it is tight! I am trying to think of it as "cozy."
    Mrs. T–Thank you! Best wishes on finding your first home!
    AB Home–Yes, I really wish there weren't any compromises involved!
    Adrienne–Glad to meet you too. So true about leaving behind memories!
    Saph–I enjoyed catching up last week!

  3. My husband and I changed our flat a week ago so I know how painful it can be (both leaving your old home and finding the right new one).

  4. I remember when I saw my house I just knew. I just knew it was the one for me, from inside to outside to every flaw in-between. Best of luck on your house hunt!! 🙂

  5. We just recently moved…into our second home. we wanted a four bedroom.. I love older homes with character.. we ended up in a builder grade new home lol.. so needless to say many projects going on here.. but at least I love project so it has turned out ok.. we are thankful for a nice home.. enjoyed your blog and writing! here from sits!

  6. Yes, the projects sometimes seem never ending. I'm glad I enjoy them too! Thanks so much for your comment, Camille!

  7. Hi Pam,
    Great ideas!! I was happy to feature your post at last week’s Share Your Style #376 for you. We had our stuff in storage for four years before we had movers move it all out of (2) 10’x25′ storage units to California. Boy! that was something to get all moved into our smaller Texas home!!

    Enjoy your new home and Happy almost Valentine’s Day,
    Barb 🙂

    1. Thanks, Barb! And, I appreciate the feature so much! Ugh, yes, storage units. Not good memories! I’m sure that was challenging!

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