Most of my clients end up touring somewhere between 5 to 10 homes (some a lot more) before making an offer. If you fall in love with a property early on, I often recommend touring a few more just to reaffirm your decision.
Sometimes that first one really is the one, but it’s helpful to have context.
If you saw my blog post about the 80-10-10 Rule earlier this month, my COMPASS counterpart Dana Bull also recommends using the L.O.V.E Framework to help buyers stay focused and make informed decisions. It’s designed to cut through the noise and keep you grounded when touring properties.
When emotions run high, having a system to fall back on makes all the difference.
Here’s what L.O.V.E. stands for:
● Location: Where is the property situated? Is it close to work, schools, or
lifestyle essentials that matter most to you? Location is one of the few
things you can’t change, so it should be a top priority.
● Offerings: What is the home actually offering in terms of specs:
bedroom/bathroom count, square footage, garage, yard, systems, and
infrastructure? Does it meet your current and future needs?
● Value add: Is there potential to improve or build equity over time?
Examples include: cosmetic updates, expansion potential, or take
advantage of zoning, and add an ADU.
● Exit strategy: What’s the resale potential? Even if you plan to stay
long-term, it’s wise to consider how the home will perform in the future
market if you ever decide to sell or rent it out.
This acronym will help clients cut through distractions and focus on the
fundamentals that matter most for both lifestyle and long-term value.
Whether you’re just starting your search or feeling stuck midway, remember:
There’s no perfect house, but with the right frameworks and systems, there is
a right house for you.
