Homebuyers

The Best Advice for Homebuyers Right Now, According to Real Estate Pros

Purchasing a home right now offers more opportunities than many homebuyers have seen in recent years. Home prices are easing in many markets. There are more homes for sale in much of the country. And the pace of competition has eased.

This good news doesn’t mean the homebuying process is effortless. The most desirable homes still sell quickly.

But for buyers who are prepared, flexible, and clear about their priorities, this housing market may open doors that were previously closed.

Here’s how savvy homebuyers are approaching the spring and summer market and where to focus your strategy as you hunt for a home.

Homebuyers should expect to compromise on what they want vs what they need

Most homebuyers begin their home search with a detailed list of wants and needs. The reality is that very few homes will meet every single one of those expectations.

“Unless you are a multi-millionaire, you are most likely going to have to compromise on something,” said real estate agent Sanjog Gopal of AZResidence in Tempe, Ariz.

That lesson tends to become clearer as the longer a home search goes on.

“I have had so many buyers turn down a home that had 95% of what they wanted only to regret their decision three months down the road,” said Gopal. “All of the other homes that they have seen only have 85% to 90% of what they want.”

What buyers may eventually realize is that waiting for perfection can mean missing out on good opportunities.

Homebuyer takeaway: Decide early on what matters most, whether it’s location, layout, condition, amenities, or price, and be prepared to compromise on the rest. A home that checks most of your boxes today may be the best option.

Homebuyers should focus on the monthly housing payment

One of the biggest shifts happening right now is how homebuyers think about affordability.

“More and more, I’m seeing how important it is for buyers to truly understand their monthly payment, not just focus on the purchase price,” said real estate agent Kristen Deliza of The Keyes Company in Fort Myers, Fla.

She recently worked with a buyer who was ready to walk away from a deal based solely on the list price. Deliza encouraged her buyer to speak with a loan officer. Once all the numbers in the homebuying picture were broken down, the total monthly cost was much smaller than expected.

“The buyer also realized that the difference in her monthly payment wouldn’t meaningfully affect her lifestyle,” said Deliza. “With that clarity, she felt confident moving forward with an offer.”

Indeed, a $10,000 to $20,000 difference in purchase price may not change your monthly payment by much, depending on your loan terms. What looks like a big upfront jump may feel far more manageable when spread out over 30 years.

Homebuyer takeaway: Don’t evaluate a home based on list price alone. Look closely at how the full monthly payment fits into your budget and long-term plans.

Use homebuying setbacks as leverage, not dealbreakers

Even well-prepared offers on a home can run into problems. Home appraisals can come in low, inspections can uncover issues, and closing timelines can shift unexpectedly.

The buyers who navigate these moments successfully are those who remain flexible and look for opportunities.

“One of the biggest advantages a buyer can have is staying calm and strategic when unexpected situations come up,” said real estate agent Alfredo Mayoral of Keller Williams in Tustin, Calif.

For example, Mayoral worked with a buyer whose appraisal came in $110,000 below the agreed purchase price. Instead of walking away, they used the situation to renegotiate.

“We were able to get the seller to reduce the price, contribute $17,000 toward closing costs, and agree to repairs,” said Mayoral.

Homebuyer takeaway: What initially looks like a homebuying setback may be turned into a financial advantage. In many cases, it creates leverage that can improve a homebuyer’s position.

Your real estate agent and mortgage lender should operate as one team

Buying a home is about finding the right property and executing the deal, especially when something unexpected happens.

“My buyer lost his job three days before we were supposed to sign loan documents,” said real estate agent Krisztian Bocs at Southern California’s Home Bound Realty. “Most people think that’s a dead deal.”

Instead of letting the deal fall apart, Bocs coordinated directly with the lender.

The pair restructured the loan using alternative income sources and kept the sale alive.

“We closed five days late, but we closed,” said Bocs.

Homebuyer takeaway: Choose professionals who work as a team. Strong behind-the-scenes communication can keep a deal together when circumstances change.

Look for homebuying value where others aren’t

In this real estate market, the homes with the most upside are often the ones buyers initially overlook.

“For a buyer in Burbank, we identified a single-family home with a detached workshop that qualified for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) conversion,” said Cesar Melendrez of the Jason Mitchell Group in Hermosa Beach, Calif.

The property had been on the market for too long because buyers didn’t recognize its potential for an additional rental unit.

“Traditional buyers didn’t see the income angle, and investors overlooked it due to zoning confusion,” said Melendrez.

That created an opportunity. Melendrez’s buyer purchased the home with a low down payment, completed the ADU conversion, and added a rental income stream.

“The property generated about $2,900 a month,” said Melendrez.

Homebuyer takeaway: Look beyond surface appeal. Properties with untapped potential can offer both immediate and long-term financial benefits.