Deciding which home to buy is a big decision. The home you choose will likely be the one you live in for the next several years. So naturally, when you find one that fits your needs and lifestyle, you should take your time and weigh out all the pros and cons before making an offer. Right? Well, not exactly. These days, good homes sell quickly. In fact, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors, the typical home was on the market for just 41 days in December and 43 percent of homes sold in less than a month. That means, you have to act fast when you find a house you like, or you’ll risk the home being purchased by another buyer before you’ve even made an offer. This is why it’s important to be prepared, pre-approved, and aware of what your must haves and dealbreakers are. You’re less likely to make a decision you’ll regret if you’ve got everything in order and have thoroughly thought out what you want, what you don’t want, and how much you’d like to spend. (source)