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10 telltale signs you’ve found the right home to purchase

10 signs you've found the right home to purchase

The JAG Team

Data shows that, on average, potential buyers visit 10 homes over the course of 10 weeks before they find the home they want to purchase. While that number is the average, that doesn’t mean your path has to fit that mold. In fact, some buyers might know from the moment they step foot in the door of a house for sale that it’s the one they want to buy. Yet others might have to visit several more homes before they’re ready to make an offer. No matter what your situation may be, sometimes simply trusting yourself can help you decide what’s best for you. Often, the signs you’ve found the right home make it obvious if you’re in tune with what you want.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a new home or are just getting started, the following signs can help you find clarity about whether you’re ready to make an offer or whether you need to keep moving. Here are 10 signs you should pay close attention to as you tour homes with your agent.

Sign 1: You feel an immediate connection

If you walk through the door and feel an instant feeling of comfort and belonging, it’s a great sign that this home is right for you. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel. Can you imagine your life unfolding within these walls?  Does it already feel like it’s yours? Is it about more than the layout or neighborhood alone? Pay attention to how relaxed and at-ease you feel as you’re looking at the home. It can be one of the first indications it’s time to make an offer.

Sign 2: The home checks the right boxes

Before you begin your search, you should have made a wish list of wants and needs you have for your next home. While no home will be completely perfect, the right one will match up with the list you’ve made. Whether it’s the number of bedrooms, the layout, or the location, if the home ticks off your must-haves — and even a few of your nice-to-haves — you’re on the right track. Stick close to that wish list to make sure you’re remembering what’s most important for your needs. This can be one of the biggest signs you’ve found the right home.

If you feel an immediate connection to a home you’re visiting, it can be a sign it’s time to buy.

Sign 3: You start imagining the future

If you walked into a home and you immediately began envisioning yourself living in the space, that’s a strong indication this is the right home. You may already be thinking about where your furniture will go. Perhaps you’re thinking about décor. You may even just be thinking about what a day will look like from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed. If you’re already planning your future in the house, it may indicate that it should be yours.

Sign 4: You begin to feel protective

Are you worried that someone else might snatch up the home before you get the chance to make an offer? If you’re feeling the desire to close quickly, it’s a clear sign you’re emotionally attached. This protectiveness indicates that you’ve found a home you don’t want to lose. There’s nothing wrong with being aggressive. Just don’t forget to get pre-approved ahead of time so you don’t miss out on the chance to make an offer.

Sign 5: The location works for your lifestyle

One of the biggest indicators that you’ve found the right home isn’t just about the house itself — it’s also about the surrounding community. If the neighborhood aligns with your lifestyle, whether that means proximity to work, schools, or your favorite activities, it’s a sign that this home is a good fit. Be prepared by knowing what a great location looks like for your needs.

Sign 6: You’re not making excuses

It’s always wise to look for red flags when you’re touring homes. Things like cracks in the foundation, old wiring, and poor home maintenance may indicate some problems. If you find yourself overlooking these flaws or trying to convince yourself that you can make a compromise on something important, it might not be the right home. On the other hand, if the home feels right without having to justify or make excuses for its shortcomings, you’ve likely found a winner.

Sign 7: The home passes the “sleep test”

One of the major signs you’ve found the right home is a simple one. If, after viewing the home, you go home, sleep on it, and wake up feeling the same excitement and enthusiasm, it may be the right home. If your feelings remain strong after giving it some thought, that’s an indication it’s the right one for you.

Sign 8: It fits comfortably within your budget

One of the most practical signs you’ve found the right home is that it fits within your budget without stretching your finances too thin. The right home will be a place where you can feel financially secure, allowing you to enjoy it without the stress of financial strain. Work closely with your mortgage lender to plan your budget and figure out your financial picture to ensure you’re on the right track.

Sign 9. Your gut tells you it’s right

Sometimes, the best indicator isn’t something you can quantify — it’s a feeling in your gut. If everything about the home feels right, and you can’t stop thinking about it, it’s worth paying attention to your intuition. Science says your gut has processing abilities that can help you unravel emotions and details quickly. Feeling that nervousness in your stomach may be one of the most telling signs you’ve found the right home.

If your gut tells you it’s right, it may be time to make an offer on a home.

Sign 10. You’re ready to commit

Do you feel ready to make a commitment? Sometimes that’s all it takes to recognize it’s the right home for you. If the thought of putting in an offer and making it your own often brings a sense of excitement and peace — rather than anxiety or doubt — there’s a good chance you’ve found your next home.

Get ready to move fast

While buying a home requires practical considerations, it also requires having a deep understanding of the emotional responses that can happen during your home search. If you’ve experienced any of the above, there’s a great chance you’ve found the place where you’ll build your future. As you tour homes and watch for these signs you’ve found the right home, it’s important to trust your instincts. But don’t forget to prepare. Get pre-approved, know your budget, and have your wish list ready. That way, when you feel great about a house, you’ll be ready to make an offer the seller can’t refuse.