Before You Buy: Avoid the “I Could Have Had a V8” Moment
Do you remember the commercial where the actor has a eureka moment, smacks themselves on the head, and says, “I could have had a V8!”
Well, let’s borrow that thought and bring it into the real estate world. Let’s try to make sure you’re not that buyer — the one who goes from the jubilation and excitement of becoming a new homeowner to that quiet moment when you suddenly think, “Oh… I didn’t think about that — I could have had a V8!”
I’ve moved many times over the course of my life — in different states and different cities — and more than once I’ve caught myself wishing I had thought through a few things more carefully before closing day.
The good news? With a little intentional thought, conversation, and planning ahead of time, those moments can often be avoided.
Here are a few THINK BEFORE points to consider:
1) THINK About the Daily Lifestyle
It goes beyond the kitchen, the finishes, the carpet color, and the layout. How will you live day-to-day?
• What about the morning commute to work or school?
• How close are stores, parks, doctors and dentists, and the amenities you desire?
• Does the neighborhood feel safe at all times of the day and night?
• What is parking like on the streets in front of your home and across the street?
It isn’t just about the house itself. It’s about imagining how life will work and function for you and your family.
2) THINK About the True Cost of Owning a Home
While the mortgage is typically the number most buyers prioritize, there are other costs to factor in as well.
• Maintenance and repairs
• Lawn care or snow removal
• Utility costs
• Appliance and system replacements
Having conversations about these things ahead of time can help buyers feel much more prepared once they move in.
3) THINK About the Future
Life evolves, and what works for a buyer now may not be what they’ll need in a few years. Take a moment to pause and consider the following:
• Am I expecting my family to grow?
• Do I anticipate an empty nest soon?
• How will the current home layout work as I age?
• What does resale look like?
At times, who doesn’t wish for a crystal ball to know the future? Sometimes it simply helps to pause for a moment before plunging forward.
4) THINK About the Little Details
The big features are hard to miss — but after moving in, buyers often find it’s the smaller details they interact with every day.
• Is there enough storage space?
• Where will the coats and backpacks go?
• How does the kitchen and laundry area function — is there enough space to move around?
• Is there adequate room in the garage for vehicles, tools, garbage cans, snow blowers, and lawn mowers?
Oftentimes those little everyday details end up mattering more than we originally expected.
5) THINK Calmly Through the Decision-Making Process
While a house that is priced correctly can still receive multiple offers and sell quickly, the current market is not as competitive as it was a few years ago. This affords buyers an opportunity to slow down a bit — allowing space to think things through.
Sometimes buyers later say they wish they had simply slowed down a little more during certain decisions — not because the outcome was wrong, but because they wanted more space to think through the process.
One of the most valuable things a good REALTOR® can bring to the process is a sense of calm and perspective. Not pressure — just thoughtful guidance and questions that help buyers look at a home from all angles. Someone who comes alongside them and helps them notice the little things they may not have seen or thought about yet.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Omaha and want to talk through what to look for — and what to avoid — I’m always happy to connect. Sometimes those conversations happen over a quick phone call… and sometimes they happen over a cup of coffee (my current favorite drink is a cortado). Either way, having a chance to talk things through early can make the entire process feel a lot easier.
Sandi Downing Real Estate/Keller Williams Greater Omaha
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