Now for the fun part (read: stress with better lighting). Look at houses that fit your budget, not your Pinterest board. A fixer-upper can be charming, but only if you actually enjoy peeling wallpaper at 2am.
Make a list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Do you need a guest room? Or can your in-laws sleep on an air mattress in the garage? (Kidding. Mostly.)
When you find “the one,” don’t get carried away. Check for leaky pipes and creepy basements. Bring a realtor who will tell you “this place is a money pit” so you don’t have to.
