Important takeouts:
On average, most buyers look at 8-10 homes: goals, budgets, timelines, locations, market speeds efficiency tips: create plans, use online resources, use online resources, face-to-face tours, adopt common mistakes, skip pre-approvals, perfect home, prepare tours, prepare tours, or not ask questions or ask questions: 8-10 homes.
Finding the right home can take some time. Don’t waste time walking around a house that wants to keep the options open but is clearly not right. So, how many houses do people look before buying? On average, most home buyers tour 8-10 homes before making an offer. But the truth is, there is no magic number. Some fall in love with their first home, while others need to tour the open house for a few weeks.
This Redfin guide explains factors that affect the number of houses a buyer is looking for, and what factors can help you know when you’re going further from browsing.
In this article:
How many houses do people need to see before purchasing?
There are not the best number of houses to tour before making an offer, but most buyers will end up displaying 8-10 properties before finding one. That said, your personal “magic number” may be higher or lower, depending on your goals, timeline, and local housing market conditions.
If you’re torn between several homes or are sure after multiple shows, don’t hurry. Take your time to ask questions and trust your instincts. On the other hand, if you fall in love with No. 3 at home and everything checks out, there’s no problem with making an early offer.
>>Read: How to Buy a Home in 2025
What about first-time home buyers?
If you’re your first time buying a house, you may need to look at a few more homes to feel what pricing, layout and budget actually get. Touring different properties will help you clarify your priorities and build confidence in your decisions.
What factors affect the house the buyer is looking at?
Personal preferences take time to clarify. You might dream of a big backyard and prioritize a bright kitchen instead. Touring Homes helps you refine what’s most important to you. Market conditions can speed up or slow things down. In fast-paced markets, you need to act quickly, whereas in slower markets, you may have more time to compare options. Time constraints play a major role. If you are looking to move to a new job or move before your school year, you can look at your home and make your decision faster. A budget can narrow your choices. A clear price range will help eliminate homes that don’t meet your financial needs by focusing on the most realistic options. Location affects inventory and competition. In some areas, homes are sold quickly with limited stock. For others, you can expand your search to increase the list to consider.
>>Read: Is this the best time to buy a house?
Tips for making your home more efficient
Make a plan and stick to it
Before you start your tour, define essentials, great hashes and deal breakers. This will help rule out homes that don’t really meet your needs.
Working with real estate agents
Knowledgeable real estate agents narrow down your list, schedule tours and confidently guide you through a competitive market.
Take advantage of online resources
Thanks to online listings, virtual home tours and 3D walkthroughs, buyers can now filter many options from the comfort of their home before heading to the open house. For example, you can explore listings, track price changes, set up Redfin alerts and stay on top of a new home that matches your search.
I’ll also come to my house directly
A direct tour home is important. Accessing various properties allows you to compare features, layout, neighborhood, and other intangible assets that are difficult to determine through the screen.
Take notes and compare as you go
After some shows, it’s easy to forget which houses had an attractive front porch or outdated kitchen. Snap photos (with permission), write down your thoughts, and rank each house so that it can be clearly reflected.
Mistakes to avoid when looking at home
House hunting has lots of emotions and sometimes a bit stressful. Avoiding some common mistakes can make the home buying process smoother and more successful.
Not approved in advance for mortgage
Diving into a show without knowing your budget can lead to heartbreak. You will be approved in advance by the lender before you begin the tour. It not only gives you a clear price range, but also shows you a serious seller when it’s time to make an offer.
Get caught up in finding the “perfect home”
It’s easy to refrain from a dream home to check all the boxes, but it could extend your home’s hunting journey. In most cases, even the best home may require some compromises. Instead, prioritize what you should look for when touring your home for a more realistic approach.
Not properly preparing tours
Don’t show up on a house tour without doing homework. If you’re not sure what to pay attention to, the history of the home, or what to look out for, you may overlook important details. To avoid this, research the area, carefully check the list, and write down any questions in advance.
Not asking enough questions
Many buyers are hesitant to ask questions during the tour, but it’s the best time to clarify. Don’t be afraid to ask about your roof age, recent repairs, utility costs, or anything that could affect your daily life.
Are you ready to make your offer? Here’s a way to know for sure
It’s completely normal to feel the weight of hoping to “get it right” because this is a big decision. But how do you know when you’re going to move forward? There is no house to see. Most importantly, not rushing, but feeling confident.
If you are unsure, take a step back and ask yourself.
Can you imagine yourself living here? Does the house meet my most important needs? Have I thought about what a neighborhood would look like at different times of the day? Have you reviewed the pros and cons compared to other homes I’ve seen? Do the costs (price, potential repairs, and monthly payments) match my budget?
Bringing trustworthy friends, partners, or family members can also help you find details you may have missed. If it’s torn after some shows, it’s okay to take a break. Ultimately, making informed decisions is knowing your priorities, trusting your instincts, and feeling the peace you chose.
