4 Simple Ways to Start Your House Hunt

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’ve purchased multiple properties, starting the house hunting process can feel like stepping into unknown territory. While it’s exciting, it can also be overwhelming.

From picking the right neighborhood to understanding your budget, there’s a lot to think about before you even step inside a single open house.

Mapping out your timeline is a great starting point. Knowing where and when you want to purchase can help you optimize your savings goals. It’s important to make the process smooth and stress-free with the right plan.

Let’s break down how to start house hunting in four simple steps.

1. Decide Where You Want to Live

The first step in starting your house hunt is figuring out where you want to plant roots. Start broad, and think about states or cities that align with your lifestyle, work opportunities or proximity to family. Then, narrow it down to specific neighborhoods that check your boxes for affordability, amenities and commute.

Looking at average home costs in your target area can help you understand how much you can afford and shape expectations early on. For instance, a $400,000 home in a suburban area might offer you twice as much space at the same price in a major city.

Completing this exercise can also help you determine whether a location fits your budget. If the average price for a home in the area is $500,000, but your ideal budget is $350,000, you may find other nearby neighborhoods that have more homes in that price range.

Not sure where to start? Check out the best cities for Veterans based on housing affordability, job opportunities and access to VA resources.

Knowing Your Wants vs. Must-Haves

Before you start scrolling through listings, take a moment to write down your must-haves and nice-to-haves

• Must-haves: These are the essentials or your non-negotiables (i.e., number of bedrooms, accessibility features, or proximity to a base or VA medical facility).
• Nice-to-haves: These are the things you would like to have, but you can live without, if needed (i.e., a big backyard, walk-in pantry, or finished basement).

Also, consider your long-term needs. Are you planning to grow your family? Do you need a dedicated workspace for working from home? Will you want walkable access to schools or parks in a few years?

Using a house hunting checklist can be an easy way to identify and categorize all your needs.

2. Plan Your Finances and Budget

Before you start touring homes, take a clear look at your financial picture. Understanding your credit, income, savings and monthly obligations will help you set a realistic price range and avoid falling in love with a home that’s outside your budget.

Here’s how to fully evaluate your finances as a future VA homebuyer:

• Review your credit score and credit history. Your credit score plays a major role in the loan approval process. While the VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, most lenders require at least a 620 credit score, though guidelines can vary.
• Calculate your monthly budget. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a key factor in determining what you can comfortably afford. A lower DTI means more room for a mortgage payment. As a general rule, try to keep total monthly debts, including your future mortgage, under 41% of your gross monthly income.
• Evaluate your savings. Even with no down payment required, a VA home purchase typically involves some upfront and short-term costs. Consider whether you have savings for emergencies or unexpected repairs, earnest money, closing costs and move-in expenses.
• Think beyond the mortgage. When estimating your future budget, also factor in utilities, maintenance and repairs, internet or other services, property taxes and homeowners' insurance.

Additional Costs to Consider

Your mortgage isn’t the only expense you’ll face when finding a home. You’ll also need to plan for:

1. An earnest money deposit is a small upfront payment (typically 1% to 3% of the purchase price) that shows sellers you’re serious and is usually applied to closing costs or your down payment if you buy the home. Depending on your contract, you may be able to get it back if the sale doesn’t go through.
2. Closing costs are expenses that typically total 3% to 6% of your loan amount and cover services such as title insurance, taxes and lender fees.
3. A down payment is optional with a VA loan, but making one can lower your monthly payment or reduce your funding fee.
4. Appraisal and home inspection fees cover the required VA appraisal to confirm the home meets minimum standards and an optional inspection that helps uncover issues before you buy. Remember, a VA appraisal differs from a home inspection.
5. Negotiable real estate fees may also be a factor. While VA buyers cannot pay certain agent fees directly, some Veterans are finding they may need to cover the difference if the negotiated commission exceeds what the seller agrees to pay.
6. Don’t forget moving expenses, including the cost of movers, new furniture and any initial repairs or setup you may need once you move in.

Understanding these costs helps you go into the homebuying process with realistic expectations and fewer surprises.

3. Get Preapproved for a VA Loan

One of the smartest house hunting tips you’ll ever hear: get preapproved before you start shopping.

A VA loan preapproval letter confirms how much you’re qualified to borrow based on a review of your income, credit and financial documents. It shows sellers that you’re a serious, qualified buyer and gives you a clear idea of how much home you can afford. It can also make your offer stand out in a competitive market.

Here’s how it works:

• You’ll provide basic financial information (like income, credit and assets) to a lender.
• The lender will verify your details and issue a preapproval letter showing your estimated loan amount.
• You can then confidently search for homes within your approved range.

Being preapproved also speeds up the buying process once you find the right home.

4. Find an Agent and Start House Hunting

Once you’re preapproved and know your budget, it’s time to team up with a trusted local agent who understands your market and how VA loans work.

Working with an agent experienced with VA loans can make a world of difference. These agents are familiar with VA-specific requirements, such as Minimum Property Requirements, and can guide you through the process with ease.

A trusted VA-specialized agent can help you tour homes, analyze property values and make competitive offers. Use your preapproval and your must-have list to narrow your search to homes that meet your financial and lifestyle goals.

House Hunting Tips

When you’re ready to start house hunting, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Test your commute: Drive from the potential home to your workplace at different times to see how traffic feels.
• Visit the neighborhood at night: Safety and noise levels can change after dark.
• Check public transportation and parking options: Ensure they meet your needs and work well with the home’s location.
• See what locals are saying online: Find local community forums or social media groups to learn what residents say about the area.
• Look beyond the listing photos: Pay attention to maintenance, neighborhood upkeep and nearby amenities.

Extra Tip: Download a reliable homebuying app to explore listings and save favorites as you refine your search.

House Hunt on Homefront

Simplify your house hunting journey with Homefront: Veterans United’s real estate platform built specifically for Veterans and military families.

Homefront connects you with local VA-specialized agents and lets you:

• Search homes designed with VA borrowers in mind.
• Connect your loan preapproval for faster and stronger offers.
• Access home search tools and payment estimates
• Have an all-in-one homebuying experience with your agent and lender

With Homefront, you’ll have all the tools you need to find your dream home, your way.

Ready to Start the Homebuying Process?

Now that you know when to start house hunting and how to make the process smoother, you’re ready to take the next step. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods, budgeting for your first home or connecting with a VA-experienced agent, the journey can start today.

Your dream home is out there. Veterans United and Homefront can help you find it. Connect with a Veterans United VA loan expert today.