Key takeaways:
- Create a clear home search plan by identifying what matters most — from must-have features to dealbreakers.
- Compare homes by looking at local market trends, schools and amenities.
- Spot red flags before you make an offer by checking layout, lighting, noise and overall conditions.
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. From online listings to open houses to neighborhood research, there’s a lot to sort through. And with big decisions on the line, it’s easy to second-guess what matters most. That’s why we’ve created a three-part guide to help first-time buyers navigate the homebuying process with confidence.
In this article — Part 2 of the series — we focus on the home search itself: how to clarify what you’re looking for, compare properties and spot red flags before you make an offer. Whether you’re just starting to browse or scheduling your first showings, these steps can help you stay focused and avoid common mistakes.
Find the right home for you
You’ve done the hard work to get financially ready. Now it’s time to focus on finding a home that matches your lifestyle, your budget and your long-term goals. That means thinking beyond square footage or curb appeal. It means choosing a home that supports how you live today and where you’re headed tomorrow.
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of open houses or fall for a home that looks perfect online. But rushing into a purchase without a clear plan can lead to serious regrets:
- Overextending your budget to win a bidding war
- Missing hidden costs like property taxes or HOA fees
- Choosing the wrong location and dealing with a long commute or unexpected noise
- Feeling stuck later when your home doesn’t match your lifestyle or future needs
A thoughtful, grounded approach to your home search can help you stay focused and sidestep expensive mistakes.
Define your must-haves and dealbreakers
A clear list of priorities helps you stay focused during your search, especially when emotions kick in or choices feel overwhelming.
Start by thinking about the following:
- Home type. Do you want a single-family home, condo, townhouse or multi-unit property?
- Size and layout. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Is a home office or guest space important?
- Location. What’s your ideal commute time? Do you want walkability, access to parks or proximity to specific school districts?
- Features. Are you looking for a garage, outdoor space, updated kitchen or energy-efficient upgrades?
- Resale Value. Do you want or need to update parts of the home to increase its value?
- Structural Integrity. No major signs of damage, solid foundation, roof, plumbing, etc.
No home will check every box — and that’s okay. By separating your non-negotiables from your nice-to-haves, you can make smart trade-offs when the time comes.
Research neighborhoods
The right neighborhood can enhance your day-to-day life and boost long-term value. The wrong one can come with surprise costs or make your daily routine harder.
As you explore different areas, take time to look into:
- Market trends. Is the area growing, holding steady or declining?
- School districts. Even if you don’t have children, strong schools can increase resale value.
- Local amenities. Are there parks, grocery stores, public transportation or restaurants nearby?
It’s also worthwhile to visit neighborhoods at different times of day — weekday mornings, weekend afternoons and evenings — to get a full picture of traffic and activity levels.
Consider getting a real estate agent
Not everyone chooses to work with a real estate agent, but having one on your side often makes the process faster and less stressful.
If you’re thinking about working with an agent, look for someone who:
- Knows the neighborhoods you're targeting
- Has experience helping first-time buyers
- Understands your priorities and budget
- Communicates clearly and regularly
- Has availability
- Uses strong negotiation skills within their network and resources
Attend open houses and schedule viewings
Online photos and listings are a great starting point, but seeing a home in person gives you an on-the-ground experience. Details like layout, natural light, noise levels, and overall condition are easier to evaluate when you’re walking through the space yourself.
As you visit open houses or schedule private showings, pay attention to:
- Overall condition. Look for signs of wear, water damage, foundation cracks or outdated systems.
- Layout and flow. Does the space fit how you live, work and relax?
- Storage and lighting. Is there enough room for your belongings? Does the home feel bright and open or dark and cramped?
- Noise and surroundings. Listen for traffic, neighbors or other factors that could affect your comfort.
It’s also helpful to take notes and photos as you walk through. After a busy Saturday touring a half-dozen homes, it’s easy for everything to blur together.
If you have questions about the home-buying process, reach out to our Mortgage Lending team at Comerica and talk with one of our representatives.
Found a home you love? It’s time to make an offer, finalize your mortgage and prepare for closing. Read First-Time Homebuyer Guide: From Making an Offer to Homeownership, which walks you through these important final steps.