How to Save Thousands of Dollars When Buying a Home

When you start searching for a home, you’re likely thinking about two main goals: finding the perfect home that meets your needs and getting it for the best price possible.

Successful homebuyers who manage to save thousands below the asking price typically follow three key steps—before they even make an offer. While your agent’s negotiation skills are important, these steps are just as crucial.

Steps to Help You Save Thousands

    1.    Know What You Want

This might seem straightforward, but many buyers aren’t clear on their priorities before starting their search. When looking at homes, you’ll often feel pulled in two directions: the one that meets your needs and the one that fulfills your wants. Ideally, you’ll find a home that does both, but that isn’t always the case.

For example, you might fall in love with:

    •    A 4-bedroom home with space for your family to grow.

    •    A cozy home with a big eat-in kitchen, perfect for weekend brunches.

What’s more important: a large backyard or being close to your child’s school? Buying for the wrong reasons can lead to regret if the home doesn’t meet your needs.

    2.    Don’t Shop with Stars in Your Eyes

Focus on meeting your needs first. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a home that also fulfills your wants, but it’s essential to know the difference before you get swept up in the excitement of house hunting.

    3.    Use a Buyer Profile System or Househunting Service

Check if your agent offers a system that matches your criteria with all available homes. These programs take the guesswork out of finding the right home by providing ongoing updates on properties that meet your needs. This approach helps you stay realistic and move into a home that’s perfect for you—without breaking the bank.