10 Signs You’ve Found “The One” in Your House Hunt
With buyers having a bit more of an edge in Toronto’s real estate market, now’s the time to be pickier in your search. Gone are the days of compromising on almost everything on your must-have list—take your time and find the home that gives you all the feels.
We like to think finding a home is like finding your true love, or “the one.” And as your real estate agents, we’re the matchmakers, working hard to set you up with the perfect fit. So, how do you know when you’ve found “the one”? Here are 10 signs—and some tips to help you seal the deal.
1. Your Heart Skips a Beat the Moment You See It
Love at first sight? It exists for home buyers too! If your heart skips a beat as soon as you lay eyes on a house, there’s a good chance it’s the one. Picture it: the house lit up at night, a holiday wreath on the door, your grandmother’s wicker chair on the front porch… yeah, you’re probably smitten.
2. You Feel Jealous Thinking About Other Buyers
If the thought of other buyers walking through your future home makes you a little territorial, you’ve probably found your match. That feeling of “what if someone else gets it?” is a sure sign you’re emotionally invested and ready to make it yours.
3. You Start Making Excuses for Its Flaws
We’ve all been there—suddenly, the things that would have been deal-breakers in other homes seem like minor issues. Maybe you notice the GO train tracks a little too close for comfort, but you’re convincing yourself it “doesn’t run that often.” (Spoiler: it runs every 15 minutes starting at 5 a.m.!)
While it’s totally normal to overlook small imperfections when you’re in love, listen to your agent’s advice if they point out serious concerns. You don’t want to end up regretting it later!
4. It’s in the Perfect Neighbourhood
Location, location, location! Finding your dream home in the wrong neighbourhood is like falling for someone with completely different life goals—it’s just not going to work long term. If the home is in a neighbourhood with all the right amenities, schools, or transportation options, you’re on the right track.
A good agent will make sure you’re only looking in areas that fit your lifestyle, budget, and future plans—so you won’t end up in a long-distance relationship with your dream home.
5. The Kitchen and Bathroom Aren’t Perfect… And You’re Okay With It
We’ve seen it before—someone walks into their dream home, only to lose that glow the second they see an outdated kitchen or bathroom. But if you’re still feeling all the warm fuzzies even after seeing the less-than-ideal spaces, you’re probably onto something.
Just make sure to get a home inspection to spot any potential plumbing or electrical issues before you get too attached!
6. You’re Mentally Measuring the Space for Your Furniture
If you’re already picturing where your couch will go or wondering if your king-sized bed will fit up the stairs, you’re falling hard. Visualizing yourself living in the space is a clear sign that you’re ready to commit.
7. You Can Check Off All Your Must-Haves
After the initial excitement, if the home still ticks off most (if not all) of your must-haves, you’ve likely found “the one.” If you’re willing to compromise on a few smaller things and still feel like it’s right, you’re good to go!
8. Other Homes Suddenly Seem Like Second Best
If other homes you’ve been considering suddenly seem like duds, it’s a clear indication that you’ve found something better. When everything else pales in comparison, you’ve found the real thing.
9. You’re Overwhelmed with Gratitude
When you’ve been searching for a while, and suddenly, the right home appears, it’s easy to feel a wave of gratitude that it’s finally happening. That sense of “this is it” means you’re ready to take the next step.
10. You’re Ready to Make an Offer
The final sign? You’re ready to make a commitment and put in an offer ASAP. When you’re willing to move quickly to secure the home, that’s when you know it’s love.
How to Secure “The One” Without Overpaying
Once you’ve found the right home, the next step is making sure you don’t lose it—without overpaying. Here’s how to do it smartly:
Reduce Contingencies, But Protect Yourself
Sellers love offers with fewer contingencies, but make sure you’re not putting yourself at risk. You can waive some things, like financing if you’re pre-approved, but don’t skip the home inspection if it could cause issues down the road.Write a Personal Letter
Yes, it sounds cheesy, but many sellers care about who’s buying their home. A heartfelt letter telling them a bit about yourself and why you love the house can make a huge difference—especially if they’re emotionally attached to the property. Plus, it might help you stand out in a competitive market. Make sure to include a picture 🙂Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent
Your agent is your secret weapon in getting the best price without losing the home. As your real estate team, we’ll:
Use our experience to gauge how the seller will respond to offers below asking.
Tap into our market knowledge to find the sweet spot on price.
Consider the seller’s mindset—like how long the home has been on the market and how desperate they might be to sell.
Stay transparent and professional throughout negotiations to make sure you don’t offend the seller.
Finding “the one” is a big deal—whether it’s your life partner or your dream home. When it comes to real estate, those first impressions should spark something deeper than just a crush. It should feel like true love, and we’re here to help you make it happen.