You're spot on about patience and paperwork—seen this scenario play out more times than I can count. It's tough losing out on a place you've already mentally moved into, but honestly, it's usually for the best. I've watched clients miss their "perfect" home only to find something even better down the road. Pre-approval just gives you that extra edge when timing is tight...and in this market, timing is everything. Glad it worked out for you in the end!
Couldn't agree more about the pre-approval thing. When I first started house hunting, I figured I'd just wing it and see what happened—big mistake. I found a place I absolutely loved, but by the time I got my paperwork sorted, someone else had already snagged it. Honestly, it felt like the end of the world at the time. But you know what? A couple months later, an even better home popped up, and because I'd learned my lesson, I was ready to jump on it immediately.
Sometimes things really do happen for a reason. Missing out on that first house forced me to rethink what I really wanted and needed. Ended up getting a place that suited my budget way better and checked boxes I hadn't even considered before. So yeah, patience and prep definitely pay off in this market...even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment. Glad things worked out for you too!
Yeah, I hear you on that. I'm still kicking myself for not getting pre-approved sooner. I figured I'd just casually browse listings, but of course, the first open house I walked into ended up being exactly what I wanted. By the time I scrambled to get my paperwork together, someone else had already put in an offer. Felt pretty rough at the time, but looking back, it probably wasn't as perfect as I thought.
Funny thing is, now that I'm finally pre-approved and ready to go, nothing seems quite as good as that first place did. Maybe it's just nostalgia messing with me...or maybe I'm being too picky now? Curious if anyone else has had trouble shaking off that "one that got away" feeling when house hunting. How long did it take you guys to move past it and find something better?
"Funny thing is, now that I'm finally pre-approved and ready to go, nothing seems quite as good as that first place did."
Had the exact same experience. Missed out on a place I thought was perfect because I wasn't ready with pre-approval either. Took me months to stop comparing every listing to that one. Eventually found something better though—better price, fewer repairs needed, and honestly a nicer neighborhood. Hang in there, you'll find something that makes you glad the first one didn't work out.
Had a client go through something similar recently. They kept comparing every new listing to the one they missed out on, and it made the search pretty frustrating for them. Eventually, they found a place that checked boxes they hadn't even considered before. Makes me wonder—do you think missing out on that first "dream home" actually helps clarify what you really want in the long run?
