We get this question often from our homebuyers. “HOW MANY HOMES SHOULD I LOOK AT BEFORE MAKING AN OFFER?”
Well, we find that there are really 3 types of buyers… and there isn’t really one solid answer to how many homes you should look at before making an offer. Sometimes a buyer looks at one home and knows that is the one. Other times, it takes a buyer several houses to find the right fit.
- Let’s talk about the difference and what you can do to make sure you are taking the right steps so that you can confidently write an offer on the house you find and love!
First we have THE RESEARCH READY BUYERS
- These buyers do extensive research. They filter through and eliminate listings that won’t match their criteria by looking thoroughly online, driving by, and learning a lot about the area they want to live in.
- They usually have a pretty clear idea of what it is they want in their new home and can quickly eliminate listings they feel don’t fit the bill.
- They typically won’t look at very many homes in person before writing an offer, but the length of time it takes them to find the right house could be longer depending on what’s available.
Then we have THE SHOPPER BUYERS
- These buyers have to shop around in order to get a grasp on what exactly they want.
- They might know the basics of what they’re looking for but until they’re out and about in different homes and neighborhoods they can’t really zero in on their wants and needs.
- These buyers will typically look at the most houses in person and have a hard time filtering through listings online.
Finally we have THE FOCUSED BUYERS
According to research by the National Association of REALTORS®, the average homebuyer views 10 homes before making an offer and the search process takes 10 weeks.
- This doesn’t mean that once you decide to start the home search process that you should pick 10 listings to go out and see and from there decide which one you’re going to write an offer on.
That’s more like HGTV’s House Hunters and not realistic.
- The reason this is the average is because these buyers have worked with their agent to really dive into some specific questions that will help them focus on what they’re looking for.
- The first 5 homes you go out to see will help give you an idea of what you want vs what you don’t want, and from there you’ll look at only those that match the more specific criteria you’ve decided on.
After a little exploring you’ll know which subdivision is too far from work or you will realize you really do want a private backyard. Then you won’t have to look at too many more but instead wait for the more specific matches to come up and then go look at those!
Not sure where you’d fit or what kind of buyer you would be? Here are some things to keep in mind so that when you do write an offer, you are confident in your decision.
- Do thorough research online to narrow your options. Use Google Maps to look up different neighborhoods you are considering.
- Go out and get your feet wet! Look at 5 houses that match your basic criteria and see if what you see online matches your expectations!
- Hire a buyer’s agent. They will work with you on figuring out your specific home search criteria and help make recommendations that you might not think of yourself.
If you are in the market for a new home, let’s connect!
