How to Find the Right Home (Without Losing Your Mind!)

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House Hunting the Right Way—What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know

So, you’re ready to buy a home—but where do you even start? 🤯

With so many options, listings, and neighborhoods to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The last thing you want is to waste time looking at the wrong homes or, worse, end up buying a house that isn’t right for you.

That’s why in So You Wanna Buy a Home? Episode 5, Aden Harper (realtor + first-time homebuyer) and Jason Harper (broker & lender) are breaking down the exact steps to finding the right home.

If you’re a first-time buyer, this episode will help you:

✔️ Avoid common house-hunting mistakes

✔️ Get clear on what you really want in a home

✔️ Find the best listings before they’re gone

✔️ Tour homes like a pro and spot red flags

✔️ Make a strong offer that gets accepted

Ready? Let’s go! 🚀

The 4 Biggest House-Hunting Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

Before you start searching, let’s talk about the top mistakes to avoid so you don’t waste time or money.

🚨 Mistake #1: Falling in Love Before You’re Pre-Approved🏡 You find your dream home, but your loan isn’t ready. Someone else buys it first. Ouch.

💡 Fix: Get pre-approved before house hunting so you know exactly what you can afford.

🚨 Mistake #2: Ignoring the True Cost of Homeownership💰 Your mortgage isn’t the only expense—property taxes, HOA fees, maintenance, and utilities add up!

💡 Fix: Ask your agent for an estimate of total monthly costs before making an offer.

🚨 Mistake #3: Shopping Without a Strategy❌ Seeing random houses without a plan = wasted time & confusion.

💡 Fix: Make a checklist of your must-haves, budget, and location preferences before booking any tours.

🚨 Mistake #4: Getting Distracted by Staging & Cosmetics✨ That kitchen looks amazing… but what about the roof, plumbing, and foundation?

💡 Fix: Look beyond the pretty stuff—always inspect the home’s condition before making an offer.

Step 1: Create Your ‘Must-Have’ List

Before you even open Zillow, get clear on what you really need in a home.

✅ Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have List

Must-Haves (Non-Negotiables)	Nice-to-Haves (Bonus Features)
✅ Number of bedrooms/bathrooms	✨ Walk-in closet
✅ Location (commute, schools)	✨ Pool or hot tub
✅ Garage or parking space	✨ Open floor plan
✅ Price range	✨ Smart home features

💡 Pro Tip: Separate needs from wants to stay focused and avoid emotional decisions.

Step 2: Where to Find the Best Homes

Looking at homes the right way saves you time and gets you into the best deals before they’re gone.

🏡 Best Places to Find Homes for Sale

📍 MLS (Multiple Listing Service): The most up-to-date database (used by realtors).

📍 Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com: Great for browsing, but sometimes outdated.

📍 New Construction Communities: Developers often offer cash incentives & upgrades.

📍 Off-Market & Pocket Listings: Homes that aren’t listed publicly—only agents have access.

💡 Pro Tip: The best homes sell fast. If you’re serious, work with a realtor who can send you new listings before they hit the market!

Step 3: Touring Homes Like a Pro

Seeing homes in person? Don’t just look at the kitchen and call it a day.

🔎 House Hunting Checklist: What to Look For

✅ The neighborhood – Drive around at different times of the day.

✅ Layout & functionality – Does the space work for your lifestyle?

✅ Major systems – Roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical can be expensive to fix.

✅ Odors & stains – Mold, leaks, and water damage can be hidden dangers.

✅ Past repairs & maintenance – Ask about updates, warranties, and permits.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a home tour checklist with you so you don’t miss important details.

Step 4: Making a Strong Offer

When you find "the one," you need to act fast—but not without a strategy.

📑 How to Make an Offer That Stands Out

💰 Know the market – Are homes selling fast? Is there room for negotiation?

💰 Offer based on data – Compare recent sales in the area to make a smart offer.

💰 Include key contingencies – Inspections & financing protections keep you safe.

💰 Be flexible – Sellers might prefer a quick close or a rent-back period.

💡 Pro Tip: Your first offer might not be your last—be ready to negotiate!

Aden’s House Hunting Game Plan

As both a realtor and first-time homebuyer, Aden is putting these strategies into action:

✔️ Pre-approved for his loan (knows his budget!)

✔️ Created a Must-Have list (no distractions!)

✔️ Checking off-market deals (finding homes before Zillow!)

✔️ Ready to tour with a home checklist (no hidden surprises!)

Your Homework from Episode 5

✅ Get pre-approved before you start looking.

✅ Make your must-have list to focus your search.

✅ Work with an agent to access off-market deals.

✅ Download a home tour checklist to bring with you.

What’s Next? Episode 6: Making an Offer & Negotiating Like a Pro

You found a home—now what? 🤔 In Episode 6, we’ll cover:

✔️ How to write a competitive offer

✔️ What to include in your contract

✔️ How to negotiate the best deal

💬 What’s your #1 must-have in a home? Drop a comment below!

Stay Connected for More Home Buying Tips!

📲 Follow The Harper Home Company:📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aden_harper_homes/📍