The Struggle of House Hunting

House hunting is widely considered the most exciting part of the journey towards one’s dream home. Yet, buyers should be thoroughly prepared, since it is also the most challenging step of the home buying process. First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the number of details and procedures they need to consider. Let alone the anxiety that accompanies such a big step in a person’s life. From placing a budget to dealing with real estate agents and homeowners, there are countless things that could go wrong. Especially, if you start your hunting without carefully planning your every step beforehand.

There are many guides available online today to help you avoid the mistakes all first-timers do. There is, however, one rarely-mentioned trap that most buyers oversee and end up quite disappointed; Have you ever come by a house that fits all your standards too early in your search and dodged the opportunity in the prospect of finding something even better? Then missed your chance because someone else already beat you to it? If your answer is yes, then be sure that you are not the only one who had to go through this kind of regret.

Actually, this is a relatively unknown but extremely frequent setback a lot of buyers face. Due to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), uncertainty or poor planning, buyers often disregard early property opportunities. The thought that their next finding might be even better holds them back. House hunting enthusiasm can easily deceive buyers into getting carried away, especially if they have not specified their search criteria. Odds, however, are not always in the buyer’s favour, and good opportunities are not so easy to come by.

Nevertheless, the pressure you will experience in such a hot market can often result in such mistakes. But do not forget! Placing an offer too fast, without considering critical steps of the process and neglecting a thorough investigation of the property and its neighbourhood can be distressing, let alone cause severe economic consequences. Ideally, you should balance between making a quick decision and making sure this is the right home for you.

How will you accomplish that?

The answer is “Planning”.

Planning should be your highest priority and your very first step. Setting your standards before even starting your search will help you easily identify the right house for you, once you see it.

1. Shortlist your must-haves

Start by creating a list of your housing needs, by considering all practical issues that will affect your everyday life (number of rooms, square meters, style, number of floors, storage space, amenities, parking space, nearby transportation and facilities, etc.). Use this list as a guide during your house search.

2. Know your budget

Create a budget and consider all financial details that should be taken care of before placing an offer (Do you need to apply and be pre-approved for a mortgage loan?). Be realistic about the budget you are setting and start your search at the low end of your price range to avoid temptation.

3. Hire a Real Estate Agent

Search and hire the right Real Estate Professionals, especially if you are a first-time buyer. During your house hunting experience, you will realize that an efficient and trustworthy real estate agent will be your ally. Inform your agent about your list of requirements and be precise about your budget limitations. An experienced professional will be able to source properties that fit your needs exactly.

Be sure you are well prepared to start your search and hire a trusted real estate expert. You are now ready to find your dream home!

MI4 Real Estate Brokerage is a boutique real estate agency that aims at providing all clients with tailor-made services. Whether you seek to buy or sell a property our team will prepare a customized plan based on our deep knowledge of the real estate market in Greece. Our extensive portfolio of assets and our ever-growing list of buyers powers the ability to successfully meet the requirements of our clients. Contact us to learn more about Properties for Sale in Greece.

9 November 2021