Buying a Home When Everyone Has an Opinion…
Buying a Home When Everyone Has an Opinion…
Thinking about buying a home? Cue the unsolicited opinions — from your mom, your aunt, your barista, your cousin’s friend who bought in 2018… you get the picture.
Your dad thinks you should wait until interest rates drop…
Your best friend says to buy in the city for the “vibes…”
Your coworker swears by pre-construction…
And your sister keeps texting you listings two hours away because they have “great value.”
Meanwhile, you’re just trying to figure out if you can picture yourself having coffee on that tiny balcony — or if a driveway wide enough for two cars will actually make a difference in your day-to-day life. So, what do you do when everyone has an opinion... except the one that feels like your own?
Well first off, remember that it’s normal to feel torn. Buying a home isn’t just a numbers game. It’s emotional, personal, and often a little overwhelming. When you're hearing conflicting input from the people you love and trust, it can be hard to tune into your own voice. Especially if you’re a first-time buyer, it’s totally normal to second-guess yourself. Am I being too picky? Am I being too impulsive? Should I listen to the people with “more experience”?
Spoiler Alert: There’s no one-size-fits-all path. And the people offering their advice? They mean well—but they’re not the ones who’ll be living in your new home.
Which brings me to my next point: it’s your life, your mortgage, and your call! Don’t forget that this purchase is all about you: you’re the one waking up in that house, you’re the one paying the bills, you’re the one who has to drive that commute, walk the dog, and make those memories. So, if a home checks your boxes — even if someone else wouldn’t choose it — it still might be the right one for you.
And remember, it’s okay to want something different than what your parents had. It’s okay to prioritize location over space, or charm over upgrades, or budget over a bay window. As long as it’s what you want.
Now, I know from experience that it’s easier said than done to shut out well-meaning advice, so here’s the trick: you can still listen to others without letting them steer the whole ship. If someone raises a concern about a neighbourhood, then great — do your own research. If your friend says “don’t buy a place without a second bathroom,” ask yourself if that really matters to you.
Sometimes outside voices bring up helpful points. Other times, they just reflect different lifestyles, values, or experiences. You’re allowed to take the pieces that resonate and leave the rest behind. That’s also where I come in: my job isn’t to tell you what to want. It’s to help you get really clear on what you want — and then guide you toward it with honest advice, market insight, and full transparency.
When we’re out seeing homes together, I’ll ask the questions that bring you back to you:
“What did your gut say walking in?”
“Could you see yourself here in five years?”
“Does this place feel like a ‘yes’ or just a ‘maybe’?”
Because the truth is: if it feels right for you, that’s what matters most. At the end of the day, this isn’t about impressing anyone or making the “smartest” choice on paper. It’s about finding a home that feels like yours—even if it’s not everyone else’s idea of perfect.
So yes, take in the advice, ask your questions, and do your due diligence. But don’t forget: your opinion is the one that matters most.
