--- title: 4 Things Every House Shopper Should Know description: Before you embark on the journey of buying a home, know what you’re getting yourself into. The process of searching for the perfect property can introduce a lot of variables, from your own personal needs to your budget limitations. image: https://info.sdhda.org/hubfs/4ThingsEveryHouseShopperShouldKnow.jpg --- [![South Dakota Housing](https://info.sdhda.org/hubfs/SDHDA_July2019/Images/hero-logo.png)](https://www.sdhda.org) - Programs - [Homeownership](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership) - [First-Time Homebuyer](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/first-time-homebuyer) - [Repeat Homebuyer Program](https://www.sdhda.org//homeownership/repeat-homebuyer-program) - [Governor's House Program](https://www.sdhda.org//homeownership/governors-house-program) - [Home Improvement](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/home-improvement) - [Downpayment Assistance](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/downpayment-assistance) - [Tools](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/tools) - [My SDHDA Loan](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/my-sdhda-loan) - [Lenders](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/lenders) - 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[Education and Training](https://www.sdhda.org/property-management/education-and-training) - [Fair Housing and Legal](https://www.sdhda.org/property-management/fair-housing-and-legal) - [Property Management Resources](https://www.sdhda.org/property-management/management-resources) - [Program Compliance](https://www.sdhda.org/property-management/program-compliance) - [Business Partners](https://www.sdhda.org/property-management/business-partners) - [Social Programs](https://www.sdhda.org/social-programs/paint-south-dakota) - [Paint-South Dakota](https://www.sdhda.org/social-programs/paint-south-dakota) - [Continuum Of Care](https://www.sdhda.org/social-programs/continuum-of-care) - [Emergency Solutions Grants Program](https://www.sdhda.org/social-programs/emergency-solutions-grants-program) - [Section 811 PRA Program](https://www.sdhda.org/social-programs/section-811-pra-program) - [About](https://www.sdhda.org/about/about-sdhda-south-dakota-housing-development-authority) - [About SDHDA](https://www.sdhda.org/about/about-sdhda-south-dakota-housing-development-authority) - [Disclosure Reports](https://www.sdhda.org/about/disclosure-reports) - [Investors](https://www.sdhda.org/investors/liquidity-reports) - [Liquidity Reports](https://www.sdhda.org/investors/liquidity-reports) - [Financial Reports](https://www.sdhda.org/investors/financial-reports) - [Annual Reports](https://www.sdhda.org/investors/annual-reports) - [Municipal Advisor Disclosure](https://www.sdhda.org/investors/municipal-advisor-disclosure) Your source for expert information on housing in South Dakota # 4 Things Every House Shopper Should Know ![4ThingsEveryHouseShopperShouldKnow.jpg](https://info.sdhda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/4ThingsEveryHouseShopperShouldKnow.jpg?width=748&name=4ThingsEveryHouseShopperShouldKnow.jpg "4ThingsEveryHouseShopperShouldKnow.jpg") Before you embark on the journey of buying a home, know what you’re getting yourself into. The process of searching for the perfect property can introduce a lot of variables, from your own personal needs to your budget limitations. ## Know your must-haves Lots of factors go into determining your [ideal neighborhood](https://info.sdhda.org/blog/the-first-time-homebuyers-guide-to-sioux-falls). Since you’ll be settling down with your new home for the near future at least, these are things to take seriously when selecting an area. Do your research – find out which neighborhoods have higher crime rates, which are closest to desirable schools (if there are children in the picture) and which are experiencing the most value appreciation. ## Know your budget Real estate prices can vary greatly by state, city or even neighborhood. No matter what South Dakota city you live in, your [real estate agent](https://info.sdhda.org/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent-3-tips-to-keep-in-mind) will be able to assist you in finding the right fit for your desired price. Do your research online to figure out what neighborhoods in your area offer the best price along with your most desired qualities in terms of safety and growth potential. ## Know your viewing plan Once your agent begins showing you houses, make sure that you’re asking the right questions about the property in question before falling in love with it. The length of time the property has been on the market, for example, sometimes indicates how much wiggle room you have in price negotiations. Your agent may be able to tell you other details, so don’t be afraid to ask. ## Know your deal-breakers Remember that buying a house is a big decision – don’t settle for something that doesn’t [fit your needs](https://info.sdhda.org/budget-building-your-dream-home-on-a-smaller-price-tag). Write a list of “deal-breakers” before going to viewings. Maybe you want a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms. Or maybe living on a busy intersection is a big red flag for you. Know what you will and won’t put up with, and it’ll help you weed out properties that just won’t work.   Keep these elements in mind before you start the house search. **If you know what you want before you start paging through listings, you’ll lessen the risk of falling for a house you can’t afford.** **[![Free e-book download: A South Dakotan's Guide to Buying Your First Home Volume 2: Searching](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1744228/97d4e56c-b3b5-4335-a3f6-4f60670ce704.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1744228/97d4e56c-b3b5-4335-a3f6-4f60670ce704)** Topics: [Homeownership](https://info.sdhda.org/topic/homeownership) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Subscribe to Our Housing Newsletter ### Posts by Topic - [Homeownership (120)](https://info.sdhda.org/topic/homeownership) - [Latest News (74)](https://info.sdhda.org/topic/latest-news) - [Renting (45)](https://info.sdhda.org/topic/renting) - [Property Development (22)](https://info.sdhda.org/topic/property-development) - [News (18)](https://info.sdhda.org/topic/news) ### Recent Posts [![Free Home Buyers Guide Download](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1744228/3628c32d-c191-4069-a4f1-d2ecc1411498.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1744228/3628c32d-c191-4069-a4f1-d2ecc1411498) - Main Menu - [About](https://www.sdhda.org/about/about-sdhda-south-dakota-housing-development-authority) - [Homeownership](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership) - [Housing Development](https://www.sdhda.org/housing-development) - [Investors](https://www.sdhda.org/investors/) - [Lender List](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/first-time-homebuyer/first-time-homebuyer-participating-lender-list) - [Property Management](https://www.sdhda.org/property-management) - [Renting](https://www.sdhda.org/for-renters) - [Social Programs](https://www.sdhda.org/social-programs) - [Blog](http://blog.sdhda.org/) - Resource Links - [sdhousingsearch.com](http://sdhousingsearch.com/) - [Governor’s House](https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/governors-house-program) - [SD HERO - Homebuyer Education](http://sdhomebuyered.org/) - [Housing for the Homeless](http://www.housingforthehomeless.org/) # Contact [P.O. 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