Sometimes, a house looks amazing online.

The photos are stunning, the description makes it sound perfect, and the details and specs check all the boxes. But then... we go see it in person, and the reaction is: oof. The layout is awkward, the rooms are smaller than expected, or the setting just does not work.

Other times, it's the opposite. A house seems a little underwhelming online -- but the specs suggest it could work -- so we go take a look. And then... woah. It feels better than expected. The spaces work well together, the light is great, the neighborhood is appealing, and suddenly it moves to the top of the list.

That "oof" or "woah" feeling often comes from things that are hard to tell from seeing a listing online...

The size of rooms.

How one space connects to another.

What the house feels like in person.

What is (or is not) around the house outside.

So, what is the key to finding the right home to buy?

Go see any home in person that has a chance of being the one.

Just keep in mind... we will probably walk through a few "oof" houses along the way -- but we also might stumble across a "woah" home that turn out to be just the right fit.