7 essential house hunting tips from the experts

Key takeaways

• Prepare financially before you start looking. Getting prequalified, setting a realistic budget and understanding ongoing costs can help buyers move quickly and confidently in a competitive market. 
• Work with the right professionals early. Connecting with an experienced real estate agent well before you’re ready to buy can help you better understand the market, refine your priorities and avoid costly missteps. 
• Look beyond the listing and think long term. Evaluating location, lifestyle fit, condition and potential red flags — not just aesthetics — can lead to a smarter purchase and fewer surprises down the line. 

House hunting can be both exciting and exhausting.
The process often takes time, and the stakes feel high. After all, you’ll live in the home you choose, and it will likely be the largest financial purchase you ever make. Because the experience can be overwhelming, we asked real estate agents across the country to share practical house-hunting tips to help make the process easier.

“First and foremost, get prequalified,” said Jeffrey Earl Warren, a real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty in Napa County, California.

Prequalification means a mortgage lender has reviewed your finances and estimates how much you may be able to borrow. After that, buyers can move on to preapproval, a more formal step that shows sellers a lender is willing to issue a loan.

Without prequalification, buyers risk delays that could cost them a home if another offer comes in first. Having both prequalification and preapproval can also make an offer more attractive to sellers.

Steps to take

• Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and debt information 
• Contact one or more mortgage lenders or brokers 
• Request a mortgage prequalification 
• Review estimated loan amount, interest rate range and monthly payment 
• Ask about next steps toward full preapproval 
• Keep your finances stable (avoid new debt or large purchases) 

One of the most important steps in buying a home is understanding what you can afford. That means reviewing your income, savings, debts and credit score to determine a realistic price range and what it will buy in your market.

“When we start working with new clients, especially first-time homebuyers, we always advise them to nail down their budget first,” said Elina Edelman, a real estate agent with Douglas Edelman in Westchester County, New York. “If they plan to obtain a mortgage, it’s important to speak with a mortgage broker or banker early so there are no surprises when it comes to setting a budget.”

A homebuying budget should account for more than just the monthly mortgage payment. Buyers should also plan for real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, utilities and ongoing repair costs.

“We always encourage our clients to shop around for the best rate and mortgage terms and to understand all fees associated with a mortgage,” said Jessica Feuerstein, a real estate agent with Douglas Edelman in Armonk, New York. “In today’s competitive market, it’s very important to obtain a preapproval letter — or proof of funds for cash buyers — before viewing your first home.”

Steps to take

• Review monthly income, savings and existing debts. 
• Check your credit score and credit report. 
• Determine a comfortable monthly housing payment. 
• Factor in taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance costs. 
• Estimate your down payment and closing cost funds. 
• Shop mortgage rates and loan terms from multiple lenders. 
• Set a clear maximum purchase price. 

“Most buyers think they shouldn’t contact a professional until they’re ready to buy,” said Jenn Barrows, a real estate agent with Sotheby's International Realty in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. “We prefer to speak with potential buyers as early as possible. We often help clients strategize for years before the timing is right.”

While preapproval is typically valid for only 60 to 90 days, buyers can begin researching the market and building relationships with agents well in advance.

“Many first-time buyers wait until a lease is expiring or a life event forces a move,” said Megan Hackley, a real estate agent in Raleigh, North Carolina. “My best advice is to start connecting with a real estate adviser early. A good Realtor will gladly consult and help set you up for success.”

Steps to take

• Research local agents who work with buyers. 
• Schedule introductory calls or meetings. 
• Ask about market conditions and buying timelines. 
• Discuss your goals, budget range and ideal locations. 
• Learn what preparation is needed before you start touring homes. 
• Stay in touch as your plans or timing evolve. 

A real estate agent will guide you through every step of the process, from identifying homes within your budget to offering insight into neighborhoods and local market conditions.

Still, research from the National Association of Realtors shows that 71% of buyers interviewed only one agent during their home search last year.

“Always have a Realtor represent your interests,” Warren said. “Don’t go directly to the listing agent, as they may be conflicted.”

“Do your research and find a good Realtor,” said Tierra Schaffer, a real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty in Hilton Head, South Carolina. “Experience and reputation matter and could save — or cost — you a significant amount of money. Talk to friends and family, read online reviews and interview agents to make sure you’re a good fit.”

Steps to take

• Ask friends, family or colleagues for referrals. 
• Read online reviews and recent sales history. 
• Interview at least two or three agents. 
• Ask how they advocate for buyers in competitive markets. 
• Confirm they will represent your interests (not the seller’s) and spell that out in the contract. 
• Choose an agent you trust and communicate well with. 

Creating a list of needs and wants will help your agent narrow down properties and keep your search focused. The list should distinguish between must-haves and nice-to-haves, while accounting for both your current lifestyle and future plans.

“A first-time buyer should remember that no home is perfect,” Schaffer said. “Don’t miss out on a great home because one or two items on your wish list are missing. Focus on five to 10 key features and look for a home that meets most of them.”

Steps to take

• Write down your must‑have features (size, price, location, layout). 
• List nice‑to‑have features you’re flexible on. 
• Consider current lifestyle and future plans. 
• Prioritize the top five to 10 non‑negotiables. 
• Review the list with your agent.
• Stay open to homes that meet most — but not all — criteria. 

Homes.com can be a helpful tool for buyers just starting out. Its search filters allow users to view listings by price, location, size, home type, bedroom and bathroom count.

Listings include details such as year built, parking availability, amenities, interior and exterior features, school ratings and a built-in mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments. Buyers can also save searches to make repeat visits easier.

Steps to take

• Set price, location and home‑type filters. 
• Review listing details, photos and property features. 
• Check school ratings and neighborhood information. 
• Use the mortgage calculator to estimate payments. 
• Save favorite listings and searches. 
• Share promising homes with your agent for scheduling tours. 

A home is more than a structure — it’s also about how and where you live. Buyers should consider commute times, neighborhood amenities, schools and future household needs when choosing a location.

“It’s crucial to have an open discussion with your Realtor about the neighborhoods you’re considering,” said Kelly Law, a real estate agent with Sotheby's International Realty in Houston, Texas. “Location affects daily life and long-term value. Your Realtor can explain school quality, amenities, development plans and appreciation potential.”

Homes that require significant renovations can also affect day-to-day life. Ongoing projects, contractors and unexpected repairs can be disruptive.

“Be realistic,” Barrows said. “You can’t have the best price, location and condition. You’ll have to compromise on one of the three.”

Steps to take

• Evaluate commute times and daily routines. 
• Research neighborhoods and nearby amenities. 
• Consider school quality and future resale value. 
• Discuss local development plans with your agent. 
• Be realistic about renovations and ongoing projects. 
• Decide where you’re willing to compromise: price, location or condition. 

It’s easy to focus on aesthetics during a showing, but buyers should look beyond appearance. Structural integrity, signs of wear, needed updates and long-term maintenance all matter.

Discuss potential resale value and future improvements with your agent as well. Thinking ahead can help prevent costly surprises later.

No home is perfect, but some warning signs should raise concern.

Listings without photos of key rooms, such as kitchens or bathrooms, may indicate issues. A price that seems too good to be true or a home that quickly returns to the market can also signal problems.

During showings, watch for water damage, mold, foundation cracks, termites, sagging ceilings or decks and lead paint. While not all issues are visible, spotting even minor concerns can help buyers ask the right questions. A professional inspection will uncover problems before closing.

• Listing photos omit key rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. 
• Price seems too good to be true for the area. 
• Home recently fell out of contract and returned to the market. 
• Water stains, visible leaks or musty odors. 
• Signs of mold or mildew. 
• Cracks in the foundation, walls or ceilings. 
• Sagging ceilings, floors, decks or porches. 
• Evidence of termites or pest damage. 
• Chipping or peeling paint in older homes (possible lead paint). 

Bring a list of questions to each showing, and don’t hesitate to ask anything that comes to mind. If your agent doesn’t have an immediate answer, follow up afterward.

Virtual tours can also help buyers identify questions before an in-person visit.

“There’s no such thing as a dumb question in the homebuying process,” Feuerstein said. “It’s better to be informed than to face issues that could have been avoided."

• How old are the roof, HVAC system and major appliances? 
• Have there been any recent repairs, updates or known issues? 
• Has the home ever had water damage, flooding or mold? 
• What are the average monthly utility and maintenance costs? 
• How long has the home been on the market? 
• Why is the seller moving? 
• Have there been past offers or deals that fell through? 
• Are there HOA fees, restrictions or special assessments? 
• What inspection issues are most common for homes like this? 
• How competitive is the market for similar properties? 

This story was updated April 22.