The Goldilocks House-Hunting Method: How to Find The Home That's "Just Right" For You

While it’s not often that I use a fairy tale as a teachable moment in my “Home Buying 101” tutorials it does strike me that Goldilocks had it right: dig a little deeper and you too can find what’s “just right” for you. In terms of the upcoming spring real estate market, finding that ever-elusive perfect home may be more of a challenge than in years past.

The downside this season will be lack of inventory. While mortgage loans are expected to remain at desirable rates, home sellers are anticipated to keep a tight grip on their properties. Whether they’re holding out for higher prices or simply having a hard time finding a new home for themselves to buy once they sell their current home, inventory is going to be the bane of many a buyer’s existence in 2014.

While Ms. Goldilocks herself didn’t find much to her liking at first, she did ultimately find a “just right” happy ending for herself and you can, too. Here are just a few tips to keep in mind during your house-hunting adventure this year.

Unlike Network TV, Daytime Viewing is Prime Time

When you hire a professional home inspector, the first thing he or she will look at is the exterior of the property. Needless to say, viewing the home during the day makes it possible for the inspector to identify any potential repairs or defects.  As a home buyer, the initial viewing of any home should also be done during daylight hours. Not only to easily discern exterior problems but also to judge how much natural sunlight brightens the interior rooms.

Too Big, Too Small, Too Dark, Too Bright, Too Wrong

As with Ms. Goldilocks, there will probably always be something that doesn’t quite suit you. Whether it’s the unfinished basement, the miniature kitchen, the vaulted ceilings (watch your head!) or just “something” in your gut that urges you to keep moving, don’t ignore your instincts. In the end you need to feel that your new home is “just right” for you and every member of the household. While you may feel some pressure to buy, do yourself a favor and take your time...there’s a home out there for every buyer.

“Don’t Worry Honey, We Can Get Used to (Fill In the Blank).”

I’ve heard this phrase so often when showing my clients properties and it always concerns me. While there’s something to be said about not being afraid of taking on a renovation project or two, if there’s something that can’t change (e.g., poor location) or a renovation that would be too cost prohibitive to undertake (adding more windows, for instance), then just keep walking. If it bothers you now, it will come to haunt you in the coming years.

Getting Up Close and Personal

Taking a drive through potential neighborhoods is a great way to acquaint yourself with where you might be living in the future BEFORE you look at any homes. Even better is to use a newly developed software tool called “spatial mapping.” When utilized in a real estate search, this GPS-driven visual mapping feature gives you a rapid, street-level snapshot of all the homes in a community. Always wanted to live on Ivy Road? Check out all the homes for sale on that street. Curious about what your neighbors’ homes sold for? That info is just a click away. To test drive this great house-hunting tool for yourself, visit my website at GoHomeWithMichael.com.

So if you want your house-hunting fairy tale to have its own happy ending, start by thinking about what’s most important to you besides just the price. Then if your gut says “Go for it!” you’ll know that you’ve found that “just right” home of which even Goldilocks would approve.