what are your top tips for those on the hunt for homes not houses

[Katherine Hite]

real estate has never been more accessible.. pero, how many of you have felt personally victimized by the home buying process 😩 🙋♀️ y'all are not alone! 

so what i've got for you today are my top 5 house hunting hacks to insure your journey is so fetch 💕

1. G E T P R E A P P R O V E D | save yourself a lot of time and potential heartbreak by meeting with your lender before your first zillow search - have no clue what a mortgage is or how to get one? that's okay! i know some fantastic people that will break it down for you.
2. S O R T O U T Y O U R P R I O R I T I E S | clarify what amenities matter most to you! insider tip: think about the lifestyle and experience you're needing first and then match the inanimate objects to your vision i.e. if your 100 lb. golden is your actual child, check out neighborhoods that are v doge friendly like 12South or McFerrin Bark* 🐶

3. C A L L M E U P | you need someone to guide you, that knows the city like the back of her inadvertently cheeto-orange hand. you need someone, preferably who wears glasses, to educate you on all the docs that will come across your inbox. you need someone to advocate and go to bat for you during tough negotiations - i played jv softball in 8th grade. all jokes aside, you will not find another human more knowledgeable about the market, the inventory, and the city than me. i'm dope.
4. K N O W U R B U D G E T + S T I C K 2 I T | while your pre-approval letter sets the maximum amount of coins your lender will give you, lots of buyers set a self-imposed budget. it might be tempting to max out your mortgage but keeping it conservative can save you financial stress later. your future self may thank you when hidden fees like maintenance work, emergency repairs, or even pricey hoa dues pop up.

5. R E M E M B E R T H E 8 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 R U L E | bad news is: there is no such thing as a perfect house. great news is i will make sure you absolutely fall head over heels for the home of your dreams. that home will be 80% you L O V E, 10% you can change, and 10% you can live with 😘

i'd love to hear what other realtors wax on as their top tips to help future homeowners while theyre on the hunt! let's kick it off!