In the age of the internet, it’s very easy to have information overload. It’s definitely true in real estate. There are over 800 single family homes for sale in Johnson County right now; 211 in Overland Park alone. Inventory is relatively low, but that’s still a lot of houses. So, it’s very easy to spend hours and hours looking at houses online every day. The same thing applies when looking at houses in person with your real estate agent. Eventually, you’ll get burned out and indecisive. Save yourself the discomfort of information overload by having a focused approach when house shopping. You’ll be glad you did. Working with a good real estate agent will help you determine what you want, and keep you on track.
Seeing Too Many Houses Does a Couple Things:
- Houses will start to blend together, and you’ll be thinking to yourself: “I really liked the white house with the big kitchen & amazing back yard, but the basement wasn’t finished? Or was that the red one with the barking dog next door?” Everything will slowly become white noise. Taking notes helps. But the more houses you see, the less effective note-taking becomes.
- Paralysis By Analysis – you’ll have so many options, it’s impossible to make sense of it all. And in a busy market, you’ll have more options available to you every day. Over time, you’ll sink slowly into a rut, always waiting for the next best house. Narrow your focus and stop wasting your time, focus, and energy on houses that aren’t a fit. Filter them out of your searches, or trust your agent to find homes meeting your criteria without separately looking yourself. To make it worse, there are many real estate sites with outdated listings or “teaser” houses which aren’t for sale. They appeal to your fear of missing out, hoping you’ll sign up for their website. The idea is you’ll see something you like, and sign up so they can sell your information to hungry real estate agents. Stay away from those sites!
Without clearly defining and prioritizing your needs and wants, you’ll wear down quickly. And when the right house does finally hit the market you’ll have hesitation and be unable to act quickly. After missing out on 1 or 2 of those, you’ll naturally settle for a house that doesn’t fit your criteria. Don’t do that! Start with the end in mind. Stay focused.
How To Stay on Track:
- Get professional help – Find a great real estate agent and mortgage person
- Know your budget
- Choose an area
- Know your “deal breakers” – eliminate those houses before you even see them
- Prioritize by focusing on needs before wants
- Stick to this plan – it’s OK to update your criteria over time, but once you do…be firm
If you’re an information addict like me, this approach should help your home buying process go much smoother. If you’re already burned out, take a break if you can…or only look at houses your agent suggests. Your future home is closer than you think. Enjoy the process. Best of luck out there!
Questions? Feel free to reach me below.
Justin Rollheiser – REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty | Diamond Partners, Inc.
13671 S Mur-Len Rd | Olathe, KS 66062
Mobile 913-800-7653
Office 913-322-7500
www.JustinRollheiser.com
Comments or Questions?