How many homes should you look at before buying one? Your home is likely to be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. But how do you balance being thorough with the need to act decisively in a competitive market? 

In this blog post, Ocala realtor Scott Coldwell and the professionals at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Coldwell Real Estate Services will discuss how many homes you should look at before buying one as well as tips to help you make your purchase decision.

Key Takeaways:

• There’s no magic number of homes to view, but the average homebuyer looks at about 10 properties over 10 weeks.
• Balancing thoroughness with decisiveness is crucial, especially in Ocala’s diverse and competitive real estate market.
• Working with a knowledgeable local realtor can streamline your search and help you find your ideal home more efficiently.

How Many Homes Should I Look at Before Buying One?

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average home buyer views about 10 homes over 10 weeks, including both online and in-person viewings. However, it’s important to remember that this is just an average. In a hot market, you may need to act more quickly. Conversely, in a slower market, you might have the luxury of taking more time to explore your options.

In Ocala, market conditions can vary depending on the season and broader economic factors. Be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly. If you find a home that meets all your criteria and feels right, don’t be afraid to make an offer, even if it’s one of the first homes you’ve seen.

Remember, the goal isn’t to hit a specific number of viewings. Instead, it should be to find the right home for you and your family. Trust your instincts, rely on the expertise of your realtor, and focus on finding a home that truly meets your needs and makes you excited about living in Ocala.

3 Tips to Make Your Purchase Decision Easier

Focus on Your Must-Haves

When it comes to house hunting, it’s not about the number of homes you view. Instead, it’s crucial to focus on quality over quantity and find the right match for your needs and preferences. Scott Coldwell emphasizes this point:

“In my experience, the most successful home buyers are those who have a clear idea of their must-haves and deal-breakers. It’s not uncommon for a well-prepared buyer to find their perfect home after viewing just a handful of properties.”

To make your search more efficient, start by creating a list of your non-negotiable features. This might include the number of bedrooms, proximity to schools or work, or specific neighborhoods in Ocala you’re interested in.

By focusing on key criteria, you can narrow down your options and avoid wasting time on properties that don’t have what you’re looking for.

Understanding Ocala’s Market

Ocala homes for sale are varied, from charming historic homes in the downtown area to modern developments and sprawling equestrian properties. This diversity means you might need to view a wider range of properties to get a feel for what’s available and what truly suits your lifestyle.

Home buyers should:

• Consider exploring different neighborhoods to experience the unique character of each area.
• Be open to viewing homes at different price points to understand what features are available within your budget.
• Work with a realtor to analyze current market conditions, including home prices, days on market, and comparable sales.

Scott Coldwell notes,

“Ocala’s real estate market is unique, especially with our strong equestrian community. I often advise buyers to look at a variety of properties across different areas of the city. This approach helps them refine their preferences and often leads to discovering options they hadn’t initially considered.”

Leveraging Technology and Professional Expertise

In today’s digital age, you can start your home search long before you set foot in an actual property. Take advantage of online listings, virtual tours, and detailed property descriptions to pre-screen homes. This can significantly reduce the number of in-person viewings you need to do.

Working with a knowledgeable Ocala realtor like Scott Coldwell can also streamline your search process. A good agent will:

• Help you refine your search criteria based on your needs and the local market.
• Pre-screen properties to ensure you’re only viewing homes that truly meet your requirements.
• Provide valuable insights into different Ocala neighborhoods and market trends.
• Offer guidance on when to make an offer, helping you beat out other buyers in a competitive market.

Whether you end up viewing five homes or fifty, what matters most is that you find the perfect place to call home in this beautiful city.

Our Ocala Real Estate Team Makes it Easy to Buy a Home

Working with an expert realtor is the best way to narrow down how many homes you look at before buying one. At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Coldwell Real Estate Services, Scott Coldwell and our team have worked with thousands of home buyers in Ocala and North Central Florida.

We know exactly what to do to guide our clients through closing and into their dream homes.  Our experience is only one reason we’re the best realtor in Ocala. In addition, we offer unique buyer guarantees that make buying a home risk-free, like our Buy it Back Guarantee.

To learn more about working with Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Coldwell Real Estate Services to buy a house in Ocala or the surrounding areas, call 352-290-3512, or fill out the form on this page.

To Discuss Your Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!