How Many Homes Should You See Before Buying?

When working with new buyers, one of the most common questions I hear is the same one I was asked today:

“How many homes do I need to see before I find the right one?”

Every time I hear this, I’m reminded of my own first home-buying experience.

My First Home Story

Back in 2005, a Chinese friend of mine—who happened to be a real estate agent—helped me begin the search for my very first home. On the very first day, we toured only three or four houses. But the very first one we saw instantly captured my heart.

A few days later, without seeing any more homes, I put in an offer. The deal went through, and that became my first “home in America.”

Interestingly, the same thing happened when I bought my second home. Again, on the very first day of showings, the very first house I walked into turned out to be the one I purchased.

So, How Many Homes Should You See?

The truth is—there’s no right answer.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average buyer in the U.S. spends about 8 weeks searching online and visits 8–10 homes in person before making a decision.

But remember, that’s just an average. Some buyers make their choice on the very first day, while others tour dozens of homes before finding “the one.”

It’s Not About the Number, It’s About Preparation

What really matters is not how many homes you see, but how clear you are on what you want.
Here are four key criteria to define before you start:

When these are clear, the right home often stands out quickly—sometimes even at the very first showing.

Pro Tips for Home Buyers

1. Do your online research first. Use MLS or real estate websites to narrow down your options and avoid unnecessary showings.
2. Don’t stop at first impressions. Even if you fall in love with a home, compare at least two or three others and make notes on pros and cons.
3. Work with a trusted agent. An experienced agent can quickly understand your priorities and save you valuable time.

Just like in my own experience, sometimes the perfect home reveals itself right away, and sometimes it takes a longer journey. What matters most is knowing what you truly want—and having a reliable partner by your side to help you get there.