Dealing With a Long Home Search

Although inventory levels in Houston have begun to tick up this Fall, there’s no denying that it has been a challenging experience for many homebuyers in some neighborhoods. The limited number of options in the Spring and Summer has forced many homebuyers to look far longer than they initially expected. For some buyers, this has meant either making many offers that haven't worked out or sitting in front of a screen waiting for the right house, at the right price, to come along. If you’re a buyer who has been dealing with a long home search, you might be getting a little frustrated. But there are things you can do to shift your perspective until you finally get an accepted offer.

Know what you’re getting into

When you begin your home search, have an honest conversation with your real estate agent about expectations. Your agent is an expert in your market and can give you valuable advice about how long it may take to close on a home in your area. As tough as it may be, buyers need patience in today’s market. Knowing what to expect before you begin can help to ease some of that frustration.

Accept that it might be hard

The beginning of any home search is often a very exciting time. Daydreaming about moving into your new home is part of the process. But as the weeks go by and you still haven’t found what you're looking for, you may start to have some negative emotions around the experience. This is completely normal. Accept that the process will be tedious and long, but try not to dwell on it. In Houston's Inner Loop neighborhoods, there isn't often a high level of inventory even in a normal market, so a long homebuying process isn't abnormal in those markets.

Don't Settle

Sometimes homebuyers have to reassess their expectations. In high-priced neighborhoods, in particular, your desires and your budget can dramatically diverge. However, reassessing the realities of a real estate market and settling for something you don't want are two completely different things. Don't just buy a property for the sake of buying one. Find a house that works for you and your family. Don't buy one just because you want to expedite the process.

Take a break

Unless you have a hard deadline like moving for a job, don’t be afraid to take breaks from your home search. Remember -- your real estate agent is also looking at listings for you. They can alert you should a home become available that’s just right for you. Give yourself a break from constantly refreshing your web browser in search of a new home.

Work with a great agent

In today’s real estate market, it’s more important than ever to work with a great real estate agent, like a Norhill Agent for example. They know the ins and outs of your local market and can advise you throughout the process. Working with an expert can help relieve a lot of the home buying stress, so it pays to interview several agents before choosing the one that’s best for you.

Contact Norhill Realty :)

In today’s real estate market, it’s more important than ever to work with a great real estate agent, like the agents found at Norhill Realty. Our firm has been through the home buying process many, many, many times. We know the ins and outs of your local market and can advise you throughout the process. Working with an expert, high-quality Realtor can help relieve a lot of the home buying stress,

Norhill might not be the best fit for every client or location, but feel free to reach out. Even if we aren't the right fit, we would be happy to help point you in the right direction. See the form below to connect with an agent today. Or call 713-869-5700.