House Hunting Tips Every First-Time Buyer Should Know
House hunting is an exciting adventure. You get to explore different houses and dream about the qualities you want to find in your new home. But if you don’t have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You can make the process easier if you start by understanding your needs and by getting pre-approved so you’re ready to make your move when you find a home you love.
The following tips will help you prepare to buy a house, develop a clear idea of what you’re looking for, and keep your search focused to increase your chances of finding the home that’s right for you.
>> Related Read – What Not to Do Before & When Buying a House
Introduction to Home Buying
A home purchase is likely the largest financial decision you’ll ever make, so it’s important to approach it with careful planning and attention to detail.
Here’s an overview of three main points that will make the process run more smoothly:
- Get an idea of the real estate market and what you’re looking for in a neighborhood and a home. #2 can help you with that.
- Work with a good real estate agent who will guide you through the process, help you navigate the market, and ensure you’re prepared for each stage of your home purchase.
- Learn about the different mortgage options available to you, and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-qualification and pre-approval help you determine how much you can afford, making it easier to focus your home search and strengthening your position when making an offer.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better equipped to make smart financial choices and find a home that fits your needs and budget. We’ll explore them in more detail below.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?
The process of buying a house typically takes around four to five months, according to Zillow. But if you quickly find a house and everything goes smoothly, you could move in within just a few months.
The biggest variable is how long you search before you find the right home and get an offer accepted.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, in 2024, buyers searched for an average of 10 weeks. During that time, they looked at a median of seven homes, two of them online only.
Many factors will affect how quickly you are able to find a home. Supply and demand have a strong impact, as well as the time of year when you’re looking. Those factors and others affect how many options you have to choose from and how quickly you can get an offer accepted.
If you’re looking for a house with special features, like a pool or a garage, your search could take longer because of those specifics. Finally, your budget may also affect your search. If you’re looking for a lot of home on a small budget, chances are it will take you longer to find the right house than if you search for homes suited to your budget.
Once you get an offer accepted on a home, if your financing is pre-approved, you can likely close on the home and get your keys in 30-45 days.
House Hunting Tips
As you prepare to start the house hunting process, keep these tips in mind. They can help to ensure that the process is smooth and that you’re prepared for what to expect.
Be sure to shop around when exploring different neighborhoods and comparing mortgage lenders to find the best fit for your needs.
Tip #1. Create a Prioritized Checklist of Needs and Wants
Start by determining both your needs and your wants.
Home Features
Here are some features whose importance you might want to consider:
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms
- Backyard
- Garage
Include anything else that’s essential to you and your family.
Next, make a list of nice-to-have features. This could include options such as a finished basement, a newly renovated kitchen, smart home features, and more.
Location
Do the same with the neighborhood amenities. Some possible considerations:
- A good school district
- Distance to your job
- Access to your preferred modes of transportation
- Local grocery stores and other shopping
- Entertainment options
- Safety (there are many sites where you can check this important aspect)
Depending on your family, you might also be looking for a neighborhood with lots of kids and a park or playground, and more. It’s important to find the right neighborhood that matches your lifestyle and priorities.
Once you’ve created these lists, prioritize those needs and wants. Determining what’s most important to you and where you have a little more flexibility can help you to focus your search on properties that are most likely to meet your needs. This prioritized list can also help you to avoid being swayed by a home with a tempting feature, like an inground pool, when the home’s other features really don’t fit what you need.
Tip #2. Ensure You’re Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved
Before you start hunting for a house, take the time to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for financing.
Pre-Qualification
When you get pre-qualified, you will usually use an online calculator to input estimated figures about your income, debts, assets, and credit score. There is no credit check, and the information that you provide isn’t confirmed.
The calculator will provide the mortgage amount that you might be approved for, assuming that the information you’ve provided is correct.
Pre-Approval
The pre-approval process more formal. You will provide documentation of your finances, as well as approval to run a credit check. The financier will verify the information that you’ve provided, perform the credit check, and, if all goes well, give you a conditional approval for financing. Your pre-approval amount can help you to focus on homes within your budget.
Most real estate agents will not show you homes until you are pre-approved for financing. Pre-approval also demonstrates to sellers that you have financing lined up, so it can increase the chance of a seller accepting the offer you make on a home.
Tip #3. Leave Wiggle Room in Your Budget
Once you know approximately how much you can comfortably spend on a home, look for homes that are priced below the maximum that you’re willing to spend.
If you put an offer in on a house that’s priced below your maximum, you will still have some wiggle room to increase your offer if you get into a bidding war.
Spending less on a house than you can afford can also provide a financial cushion to help you to pay for the many expenses that occur during the homebuying process, like a home inspection and homeowner’s insurance. It’s important to consider your total monthly payment — including mortgage, insurance, taxes, and utilities — so you can budget for these recurring costs and ensure long-term affordability.
Looking at homes below your budget also leaves you some room to make improvements once you move in. If you haven’t spent your maximum budget, you could renovate the home, upgrade the appliances, and make other changes to shape the home into exactly what you want.
Choosing a less expensive home can also help you save money by reducing your mortgage amount, lowering the total amount paid over time, and possibly negotiating for seller-paid closing costs.
Tip #4. Work with a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is an important partner who can help you find the right home that fits your budget, needs, and preferences.
Look for an agent who is familiar with the neighborhoods that you’re interested in, and who has helped previous clients to buy and sell homes in those neighborhoods. A real estate agent who knows your area may be better aware of new properties coming to the market and can help you to identify the pros and cons of each location that you’re considering.
Tip #5. Do Your Own Research, Too
While your real estate agent can provide you with valuable information, take the time to do your own research, too.
Spend some time researching neighborhood crime rates, the reputation of the school districts, and the property values in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Consider joining the community Facebook groups to get a sense of local issues, and see if you can talk with some residents about what living in the community is like. Pick up a local newspaper to read about current issues and events, and spend a day exploring and driving through the area to see what it has to offer.
If you are buying your first home, thorough research is especially important to ensure you make informed decisions and take advantage of any programs or tips available for first-time buyers.
Tip #6. Take Notes During Showings and Open Houses
When you view a property, you’ll take in a lot of information. Taking notes can help to ensure that you don’t overlook anything important, giving you time to review the information again at a quieter time.
Bear in mind the home’s condition, and be sure to note important details such as:
- How long the home has been on the market
- Whether the home is in a flood zone
- The location of any easements
- Whether there is a homeowner’s association
- Why the seller is moving
- What’s included with the property, such as outdoor sheds, appliances, or chandeliers
- The age of the roof and the heating and cooling system
- Any disclosures, including those about pests, asbestos, or mold
- Any recent renovations or improvements
- Any problems with the home
Reviewing your notes and observations will help you decide if the property is worth buying based on its overall condition and any issues you discover.
>> Related Read – The Best Home Improvements to Increase Value
Exploring Mortgage Options
When it comes to home buying, exploring your mortgage options is a crucial part of the process. There are several options to consider, each with its own benefits and requirements.
Conventional mortgage loans are the most common. But for buyers seeking interest-free solutions, Islamic mortgages and Sharia compliant mortgages offer a halal way to finance your home purchase. A halal mortgage — the most popular type being the diminishing musharakah model that Guidance Residential uses — allows you to avoid paying interest while still achieving homeownership.
By carefully considering your mortgage alternatives, you can ensure that your home buying journey is both financially sound and aligned with your values.
Understanding the Importance of Home Inspection
A home inspection is a vital step in the home buying process, especially for first-time buyers. Before finalizing your purchase, a thorough home inspection can uncover potential issues with the property, such as structural problems, outdated electrical systems, or hidden water damage. Identifying these issues early can save you money and headaches down the road.
Including a home inspection contingency in your offer gives you the flexibility to back out of the deal or negotiate with the seller if major problems are discovered. In some cases, you may be able to ask the seller to pay for necessary repairs or reduce the purchase price to account for the cost of fixing any issues.
Working with a reputable home inspector ensures you receive a detailed report on the property’s condition, helping you make an informed decision before purchasing. For first-time homebuyers, this step is essential to protect your investment and avoid unexpected expenses after you move in.
Calculating Closing Costs
Calculating closing costs is an essential part of budgeting for your home purchase. Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price and cover a variety of fees, such as title search, appraisal, and more. These additional costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them in when determining how much you can afford to pay for a home.
Closing costs can vary depending on the location and type of property. A good real estate agent can help you estimate your closing costs and ensure you’re prepared to pay these expenses at the end of the home buying process.
By understanding and planning for closing costs, you can avoid surprises and make sure your budget covers all aspects of your home purchase, from the initial offer to the final closing.
What Not to Do When Viewing a House
While the above tips can increase your chances of finding the right house, there are also some actions that you’ll want to avoid. Make sure not to make these potential mistakes during your house-hunting journey:
1. Don’t Make Negative Comments
Avoid making negative comments during a showing. That includes when you’re walking up to the house since video doorbells and cameras could capture what you’re saying. Instead, write down your thoughts to review with your real estate agent later.
That includes negative comments related to the home’s price. You can always make an offer below the asking price, but remember, a seller and their real estate agent have likely had several conversations about pricing the home. Avoid saying anything critical and offending them.
2. Don’t Get Emotionally Attached
Even if a home seems perfect, avoid showing your emotional attachment. If a seller realizes how much you like the home, they could use that fact during the negotiation process to see if you’re willing to pay more.
It’s also better for your own sake to avoid falling in love with a home. The process of buying a home can take several months, and things can go wrong at any stage, from the negotiation to the home inspection to getting final approval for your mortgage. Focus on viewing properties with a clear head, and remember that if this house doesn’t work out, there are others out there.
3. Don’t Be Nosy
If the sellers’ real estate agent isn’t present, then a home viewing isn’t the right time to ask probing questions, such as why the sellers have decided to sell a home. Many factors can affect that decision, and you don’t want to make the sellers feel obligated to disclose an event like a divorce or the loss of a job.
4. Don’t Overshare
While you can enjoy some small talk with a seller, it’s important to avoid oversharing, especially when it comes to your personal life, how much you like the house or your plans for the house. You don’t want to risk offending the seller or stating anything that might make them question whether they want to sell the home to you. Focus on keeping the relationship professional, which will work to your advantage during the negotiation process.
>> Related Read – First Time Homebuyer’s Guide
Be Confident in Your Home Search
While that’s a lot of information to take in, the above tips can help to guide you through the home search process. As you hunt for a house, try to stay patient and focus on the fact that it will all be worth it in the end when you find the right house.
Continue Your Homeownership Journey
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. The team at Guidance Residential is here for you every step of the way, from pre-qualification and pre-approval on through to finding the right real estate agent for you and your family. We invite you to explore the home buying process with Guidance Residential today.
Guidance Residential remains the #1 U.S. Islamic home financing provider. Over the past 20 years, we have assisted more than 40,000 families. Learn more and get started on your home finance journey today.
Your Guidance Residential Account Executive is here to help with any questions. Looking to refinance or purchase? Have a friend or family member who is looking for a home? Call 1.866.Guidance, or start an application today.
Originally published in March 2016, updated September 2025.
