July 2025

5 tips to help focus your home search

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing, it’s important to get your priorities in order. Few of us can afford to buy the “perfect” home, so separating your must-haves from your nice-to-haves is key. Here are 5 tips that can help you focus on what's important to you.

Start with your budget.

For most of us, budget is key. Spending more than you can comfortably afford can cause problems for many years to come. The best way to avoid that is to get prequalifiedFootnote1 for a mortgage before you start looking for a home. An estimate of what you can borrow for a home can help you set a realistic price range.

However, it’s important to be sure that what a lender thinks you can afford actually works for you. Be sure to consider not just the monthly mortgage payment, but insurance, utilities and a rainy day fund for maintenance and repairs.

Look at your timeline.

The process of buying a home can take several months. If you need to move quickly, you may need to compromise on some things in order to get a home that will meet your more important needs. Some things that can affect your timeline include:

  • You have to sell your current home before you buy a new one.
  • You're moving to start a new job and you have a hard start date.
  • You have children and you want to move before school starts.

Explore different locations.

It’s often possible to improve or update a home, but moving it is rarely an option. Define your home search area by considering these questions:

  • Do you prefer the city, the suburbs or the country?
  • How safe is the neighborhood?
  • Would there be a long commute to work for you or another family member?
  • If you have children, is your preferred area within the limits of a good school district?
  • What kind of amenities such as shopping, entertainment and health care facilities are nearby?
  • Are there flood zones in the area that could affect your insurance needs?

Separate your must-haves and your nice-to-haves.

Everyone has certain things they can't compromise on. Identifying these features can make it easier to see what you can be more flexible about. You don't have to be afraid of looking for your dream home — just recognize that you might need to adjust the dream a little for reality.

  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you really need?
  • Is a home office, a guest room or space for hobbies critical to your lifestyle?
  • Plan ahead — will your family grow or shrink? Is an in-law suite in your future?
  • Is central air a must or will window units work? What about type of heating fuel? Is solar an option?
  • Do you need off-street parking? What about a one- or two-car garage?
  • Is your heart set on amenities like a sunroom, an outdoor kitchen or a pool, or could you get by without them?

Once you find a home, do your homework.

Even if you’re willing to make updates or repairs, don’t make an offer without a professional inspection that can tell you the state of the structure, including:

  • Age of the roof as well as the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems
  • Structural issues such as exterior cracks, uneven floors or signs of water damage and mold
  • Insufficient insulation, inefficient or leaky windows, and other issues that could affect heating and cooling costs

By thinking through all these factors up front, it will be easier to zero-in on a home that’s right for you. Thoughtful planning can help ensure you'll enjoy your new home for many years to come.

A note from your lending specialist

When you’re looking for a home, I’m here to help. I can help you get prequalifiedFootnote1 and review your home loan options. Once you find a home, I can help you get preapproved,Footnote2 so you’ll be ready to make a strong offer.

1 Prequalification is neither preapproval nor a commitment to lend; you must submit additional information for review and approval.

2 Final loan approval is subject to satisfactory appraisal and title review and no change in borrower credit and financial condition. Preapproval is subject to terms and conditions and timely submission of required documentation; ask your Lending Specialist for details. Preapproval does not commit to the continued availability of the loan program. The interest rate shown in a preapproval is based on our current pricing and is not locked. You may choose to lock an interest rate after we receive the complete and executed purchase contract. Borrower must submit purchase contract within 90 days of preapproval. If the rate at time of lock is higher, or a rate lock expires prior to funding, or for adjustable-rate loan programs when the index value rises, we must determine your ability to repay the loan at the higher rate, which may lower the loan amount or invalidate the preapproval. Not available on all loan products. Not available on refinance loans.


MAP7915623 | 05/2025