🏡 What Your Realtor Wishes You Knew Before House Hunting

House hunting is one of the most exciting parts of the buying process, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. After helping a lot of clients find their homes, I’ve learned a few things that make the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and a lot more productive.

Here’s what your realtor (👋 me) wishes you knew before we start touring homes:

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💰 1. Get Pre-Approved Before We Hit the Road

I can’t stress this enough. A pre-approval isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s the foundation of a smart home search.

It tells us exactly what price range to look in, makes your offer stronger when the right home comes along, and saves everyone time (and heartbreak).

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👟 2. Wear Shoes That Slip On and Off Easily

It sounds simple, but trust me, after a few showings you’ll be glad you did. Most sellers ask buyers to remove their shoes, and if we’re seeing multiple homes in one afternoon, that can mean a lot of tying and untying.

Slip-on shoes = smooth sailing.

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🎯 3. Narrow Down Your “Must-Haves” and “Nice-to-Haves”

Before we start touring, it helps to be clear on what really matters to you.

Is it location? Lot size? A specific layout?

Having a shortlist keeps us focused and ensures we’re only seeing homes that truly fit your lifestyle and budget, not ones that just look good in photos.

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🐶 4. Let Me Know About Pets or Allergies

If you’re allergic to cats or dogs, or have your own furry friend, please tell me in advance. Some homes have pets that may trigger allergies, and others have pet restrictions that could affect your plans.

A quick heads-up helps me plan better and keep everyone comfortable.

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🗓️ 5. Flexibility Is Your Friend

Sometimes homes sell quickly or a showing schedule changes last minute. The more flexible you can be, especially in this market, the better chance we have of getting in to see homes before they’re gone.

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🤝 Final Thoughts

My goal as your realtor isn’t just to open doors. It’s to guide you through the process with as little stress as possible. A bit of preparation goes a long way, and when we work together as a team, finding your next home becomes a lot more fun.