Finding the Home That Fits You

Part Two: Your First-Time Homebuyer Journey

Now that you’ve decided to buy, found your agent, and secured financing, it’s time for the most exciting step: searching for your home. But before you start booking showings, you’ll need to identify your criteria so you can stay focused and avoid overwhelm.

Identifying Your Criteria

Start with your “must-haves” versus your “nice-to-haves.” Think about:

• Location – commute time, school districts, access to amenities

• Size – number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage

• Style – single-family home, condo, townhouse

• Lifestyle features – backyard space, home office, walkability

  
  

It’s normal to adjust your criteria as you begin looking at properties, but having a clear starting point helps keep you grounded in your needs.

A helpful exercise is to make three lists:

1. Non-negotiables – things you absolutely must have

2. Wants – things that would be great, but aren’t dealbreakers

3. Future goals – things that may not be essential now but would add value later

4. 
   

Finding Your Home

Once you’ve clarified your criteria, your agent will help you start the search. This involves browsing listings, setting up tours, and comparing options. A few tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t rely on photos alone—homes can look very different in person.

• Take notes during tours—it’s easy to forget details when you see multiple houses.

• Consider resale value—think about whether the home will appeal to future buyers if you decide to sell later.

  
  

Remember, no home is perfect. It’s about finding the right balance between what you want and what’s realistic in your budget and market.

Closing Thought

Finding your home can take time, patience, and flexibility, but it’s also the most rewarding part of the process. Once you’ve found “the one,” the next step is making your offer—and that’s where Part 3 comes in.

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About Brook Forkas: Brook's clients consistently praise how easy she is to work with, combining personalized service with a results-driven approach. Whether buying, selling, or investing in Bay Area real estate, you can count on Brook Forkas to be the dedicated partner you deserve.