Actually bidding on a house--how did you know it's the right one?

[Anonymous]

We toured our house. Said yes! But then convinced ourselves we weren't going to get it since we had lost two other offers. Of all the offers we submitted the last one was the best house. We got it. We were shocked. A year later, we wake up most mornings still floored our offer was accepted. The house only needs small cosmetic change to our taste. Shocked!

[Anonymous]

We've only been out a couple of times now to look at potential houses, probably have seen 12 total. There's been nothing I've gotten too excited about yet- some nice houses but there's always been one big thing I didn't like about it, or a bunch of tiny things. DH, however, was more ready than I was to bid on something this last weekend. It would need some work but also be functional for the time being. It was low priced enough that we could afford to do the necessary remodeling, but would come with the risk that we would then outprice the neighborhood when it came time to sell and not get our $ back. DH was on the verge of being ready but I felt like we were trying to talk ourselves into it. Reading this has been helpful because it appears to have taken a long time for many of you! but I worry I'll never settle on "the one" and will always find flaws.

[Anonymous]

There will always be a better house. But how long do you want to keep looking for it? Keep this in mind while you look -- 12 houses is not that many, really, but 12 months might be! Depending on your price range, you may not find a house you love. If you're on a budget, you'll see a lot of "maybe this could work" places and eventually you'll buy a "good enough" house. Make a list of your priorities and compare the houses you see to that list just to check yourselves and make sure you're focused on what matters (i.e.: if location is your top priority, don't bid on a house where you love everything but the location). Look and look until you're tired of looking and you find something "good enough".