The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home isn't wise. The pursuit of perfection comes at a cost, and in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership. As Bankrate explains:

“One of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes is looking for a home that checks each of your boxes. Looking for perfection can narrow your choices and lead you to pass over good, suitable options for starter homes in the hopes that something better will come along.”

The Cost of Holding Out for Perfection

Nothing in life is ever perfect – and that's true when searching for a home too. Unless you’re building a brand-new home from scratch, there will likely be some features or finishes you wouldn't have chosen yourself. It could be something minor like paint colors, a light fixture, or the tile in the bathrooms or kitchen. Or it might be that the backyard isn’t fenced in. Perhaps the home itself is great, but the location isn't exactly what you hoped for.

But here’s the trade-off you’d be making without even realizing it. All the time spent searching for the perfect place means overlooking many homes that could have worked for you. As U.S. News explains:

“. . . you may miss opportunities if you enter the process with blinders on and aren’t open-minded . . . Countless potential buyers never buy because of this, and thus miss great investments or never move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

It’s Time To Redefine Perfection

Especially with affordability and inventory where they are today, buying a home that needs some updates, is a few neighborhoods away from your ideal location, or doesn’t have all your desired features can be a smart move. Here’s why.

For starters, these homes are usually more affordable, which is crucial when some buyers are struggling to find options within their budget.

Additionally, they give you the opportunity to make the space your own or discover a new area of town. You might find that you actually love that neighborhood. Or, swapping out a feature here or there after move-in isn’t such a big deal. So, look past the green shag carpet and see the bones of the house. With a little vision and creativity, you can turn a good house into a fantastic home.

How an Agent Helps You Explore Your Options

If you're willing to consider a home that requires some work or is slightly farther out, inform your agent. They'll be glad to demonstrate how this can expand your range of options. Additionally, they'll guide you through the process by:

1. Prioritizing Your Must-Haves: Your agent will want to revisit your wish list and separate your non-negotiables from your nice-to-haves. From there, they’ll focus on what’s really most important to you as they come up with a bigger list of options for you to choose from.

2. Coaching You To See the Potential: As you tour these added options, your agent will help you look beyond cosmetic flaws and imagine what the home could be with a little work. Simple updates like a fresh coat of paint or new flooring can make a big difference.

3. Connecting You with Local Pros: And an agent’s support goes one step further. If they know what you’re hoping to change after you move in, they can connect you with local pros who can get the job done. That way it’s less work for you, and you don’t have to worry about tracking down contractors.

Bottom Line

Remember, no home is perfect. But with professional guidance and an open mindset, we can find the right home for you, even in today’s market. Let’s connect and explore your options.