Is Buying a Home the Priority Right Now?

You can picture it already—the neighborhood, the kitchen, maybe even where the furniture will go. Wanting a new home is the easy part! The bigger question is whether you’re ready to turn that picture into a real plan and make buying a home one of your priorities right now.

That’s when things start getting exciting, because an active home search has momentum. You’re exploring possibilities, making decisions and getting closer to a place of your own. A good agent can keep that momentum moving, but you have to be ready to move with it. Here are ten signs you may still be in the dreaming stage rather than the buying stage:

1. YOUR EXPECTATIONS DON’T MATCH THE MARKET
Dream big—but make sure the dream has somewhere to land! If the homes you love and the budget you have seem to live in two different worlds, it’s time to explore your options. A different neighborhood, a little less square footage or a home with potential could open up possibilities you haven’t considered yet.

2. YOU’RE NOT READY TO MAKE TIME FOR THE PROCESS
The right home isn’t going to check your calendar before hitting the market. Sometimes you’ll need to squeeze in a showing, talk with your lender or make a decision sooner than expected. If there’s simply no room in your life for any of that right now, your home search may need to wait until you can give it some space.

3. YOU’RE MOSTLY WINDOW SHOPPING
Looking at houses can be fun—even when you aren’t ready to buy one! And there’s value in discovering neighborhoods, comparing homes and figuring out what catches your attention. Just know the difference between exploring possibilities and actively searching. When you’re ready to buy, the way you look at those listings changes.

4. COMMUNICATION KEEPS FALLING TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR LIST
Things can move quickly once you’re actively searching. A great new listing appears. A showing opens up. An offer needs an answer. If your agent’s messages keep sitting unanswered while everything else gets your attention first, buying a home may not have made its way to the top of your list quite yet.

5. YOU HAVEN’T DEALT WITH THE FINANCIAL SIDE
It’s hard to get excited about finding the right home when you don’t know what “right” means for your budget. If you’ll need a mortgage, talking with a lender can turn a vague price range into a real number. Suddenly, you know where to look, what’s possible and what your next step can be.

Frustrated Woman at Desk

6. YOU’RE NOT PREPARED TO MAKE A DECISION
Finding the right home is exciting. Saying “This is the one” can also feel a little scary. You should never make a decision you’re uncomfortable with, but if every good possibility turns into another reason to keep looking, ask yourself what you’re really waiting for. You may love the idea of buying while still needing some time before you’re ready to take the leap.

7. YOUR PLANS ARE STILL UP IN THE AIR
Maybe a new job is possible. Maybe you’re thinking about relocating. Maybe you’re just not sure where you want to put down roots yet. Those possibilities matter! You don’t need your entire future figured out, but a little clarity about where you’re headed can make choosing the right home a whole lot easier.

8. YOU’RE NOT READY FOR THE COSTS BEYOND THE PURCHASE PRICE
Getting the keys is a fantastic moment, but homeownership continues long after the celebration. Taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and other expenses become part of the picture too. Planning for them now means you can look forward to enjoying your home instead of being surprised by what it costs to own it.

9. YOU’RE NOT READY TO TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS YOU’VE CHOSEN
You’re the one making the decisions, but you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Your agent, lender, inspector and other professionals are there to bring experience and information to the table. Find people you trust, ask plenty of questions and let their expertise help you see possibilities—and potential problems—you might otherwise miss.

10. YOU’RE RESISTING THE BASIC TOOLS THE PROCESS REQUIRES
No one says you have to love every app, electronic form or text message involved in buying a home. But these tools help keep things moving. Being willing to use them means you can see new opportunities, get information quickly and take care of important details without letting technology become the thing that slows you down.

See yourself in a few of these? That doesn’t mean the dream is off the table. It may just mean you’re still getting ready for it. Use that time! Build your savings, explore neighborhoods, get your finances in order and figure out what you really want from your next home.

A good real estate agent can be part of that preparation, too. You don’t have to wait until you’re ready to write an offer before starting the conversation. The right agent can answer questions, show you what’s possible and help you turn a future goal into a workable plan.

Then, when buying a home really does become the priority, you won’t just be dreaming about it—you’ll be ready to make it happen. And if you’re still deciding who you want helping you get there, this article can help you recognize a good agent when you find one.