Week 4

This 8-week series “How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget” will walk you through how your next home can align with your lifestyle, your needs — and, most importantly, your budget. Yes, it’s absolutely possible to dream big while still being financially smart.

Even if you’re relying on proceeds from the sale of your current home, moving up means more than just cashing in. It requires self-reflection, a solid mortgage strategy, and a step-by-step game plan to make your next purchase successful.

There’s a formula to this — one that leads to finding the right home for you. That means taking your time up front so that later, you’re ready to move quickly and confidently when the perfect property hits the market.

Don’t Skip These Three Steps

Buying a home is a major decision, and even experienced buyers can benefit from a methodical approach. Starting strong ensures smart decisions and fewer regrets later.

If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve clarified your non-negotiables, your “must-haves,” and your lifestyle goals. (We covered that in [12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Ever Start Looking at Homes] and [Are You a “House” or a “Location” Person?] — go back and review them if needed.)

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to focus on these three crucial steps that many buyers unfortunately skip.

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1. Be 100% Sure You Want to Move

Plenty of people start browsing homes without being truly ready to move. Maybe your friends are upgrading, the market feels hot, or you’ve hit a new phase in life like retirement or an empty nest. But unless you’re clear that now is the right time — for your life and finances — you’re setting yourself up for confusion or even regret.

Buying a home is a commitment, typically for at least 3–5 years. It comes with stress, uncertainty, and — if you’re buying and selling at the same time — some serious coordination.

So be honest with yourself. Are you really ready to buy? If not, it’s perfectly okay to wait. But if you are? Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared and focused.

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2. Slow Down to Speed Up

After you’ve decided to buy, it’s tempting to rush. You want out of your current home, you’re dreaming of something better — and maybe you just want to check it off your to-do list.

But buying a home isn’t like ordering a new sofa. It’s a process. It takes patience, clarity, and sometimes a little emotional endurance. The payoff? A home that aligns with your lifestyle, financial goals, and future plans.

Don’t let immediate gratification cloud your judgment. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and give yourself the space to find the right home — not just the fastest available one.

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3. Decide Who’s Going to Represent You

There’s a lot more to buying a home than just finding listings online. A great real estate agent can make all the difference — and not every agent is the right fit for every buyer.

You need someone who understands your price range, your ideal neighborhoods, and the kind of financing that works best for your situation (especially if you’re buying and selling at the same time).

That’s why I always start with a conversation. When we meet, we’ll talk through:

• How to buy and sell at the same time (without moving twice or carrying two mortgages)
• What the current market looks like in your area
• What loan options might work best for your specific goals
• Whether we’re a good fit to work together — because trust and communication matter

My job is to help you find homes that match your needs, wants, and budget — and steer you clear of those that don’t. If you’re thinking of buying sometime in the next few months (or even years), let’s chat and get you informed now.

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I hope you’re enjoying this series, How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget!

In next week’s article, How to Finance Your Home Purchase, you’ll learn the first thing you should tell your lender — and how to secure a mortgage strategy that keeps you financially comfortable while still landing your dream home.