Step 20 of 48 Phase 3: House Hunt in Earnest
3.3 Narrow Down Your Listings
With your criteria defined, systematically evaluate your saved listings to identify the best candidates for touring. A structured approach prevents decision fatigue and keeps you focused on homes that truly fit.
Pro Tips
- Create a scoring system based on your must-haves and nice-to-haves
- Eliminate any listings with deal-breakers first
- Compare price per square foot in similar neighborhoods
- Check days on market - homes sitting long may have issues or be overpriced
- Look at listing photos critically - staging can hide problems
- Use satellite view to check lot, neighbors, and surroundings
Listing Comparison Matrix
| Criteria | Weight | Home A | Home B | Home C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | High | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 |
| Location | High | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 |
| Size/Layout | Medium | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 |
| Condition | Medium | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 |
| Outdoor Space | Low-Med | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 | Score 1-5 |
| TOTAL | - | Sum | Sum | Sum |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Falling in love with listing photos before seeing the home
- Ignoring red flags like multiple price reductions
- Not checking flood zones, easements, or HOA restrictions
- Focusing only on cosmetics instead of structure and systems