55. Where to Start to Buy a House: Step 4 - When to Start Looking

You've set your budget, found your agent, and gotten pre-approved. Now comes the part you've been waiting for: actually looking at houses. I walk you through how house hunting works for first-time homebuyers, from searching listings on the MLS to knowing when to start touring homes in person. Then I cover exactly how to make an offer on a house once you find one you love. I'll also share how a "maybe" became a "heck yes" on two of the three homes we bought, and why your must-have list matters more than a pretty kitchen.

➞ Ready to take the first step of finding your first home? Connect with a FAME agent in your area (it's free!)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN TODAY:

What the MLS is, how listings travel from the MLS to Zillow and Redfin, and why searching the MLS gives you the most accurate, up-to-date information

Why you should start touring homes about four months before you want to move, and how state timelines like attorney review periods change that

Why touring homes before you're ready can backfire and leave you comparing every house to the one you couldn't buy

How to use your must-have and nice-to-have list to turn a "maybe" into a confident yes without settling

How quickly you need to make an offer based on days on market and competition from other buyers

What goes into a written offer contract: price, closing date, home inspection, loan type, and lender

How much your first deposit typically is, and when it's due

How long it takes to close after your offer is accepted

Why it can take more than one offer to win a home in a hot market, and why starting early gives you room to try again