How to “Date” Homes Without Settling

Why Buying the Right Home in San Bruno Is More Like Matchmaking Than a Checklist

Exploring housing options with enthusiasm, a couple discusses possibilities with a real estate professional, embodying the modern approach to finding a perfect home without compromise.

Buying a home is a lot like dating.

There’s the early excitement.The back-to-back “first showings.”The stage where you start to second-guess yourself — and the voice that says, “Maybe I should just settle…”

But here’s the truth:You don’t need 30 showings. You just need the right one.

And as your Realtor, my job isn’t to push you into a quick closing —It’s to help you figure out what feels right, and to stay committed to that until we find it.

Here’s What “Home Dating” Looks Like

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• You go into a showing with hope… and leave feeling meh.

• You see something that checks all the boxes — but feels off.

• You fall for one that's already pending. (It happens.)

• You find a home that feels great… but the timing’s not right.

This is normal.What matters most is having someone who helps you stay focused —on what matters to you, not just what’s available this weekend.

What I Tell My Buyers

You’re not just buying a structure. You’re choosing a feeling, a future, a fit.So I’ll ask you questions like:

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• Can you picture yourself having coffee here on a quiet Sunday?

• How does this block feel when you drive in?

• Does it support your long-term plans?

• Are you compromising on something that’s actually a dealbreaker?

Sometimes we walk out of a house after 5 minutes and say, Nope.And that’s a win. Because you’re getting closer to what you want — and further from settling.

It’s Okay to Wait

Some of my favorite clients searched for over a year. We said no to plenty of homes that were “fine.” And then one day — they found the one. The lot they needed. The location they wanted. The opportunity to build their future.

It wasn’t luck. It was alignment. And it only happened because we waited until it felt right — and then moved fast when it was time.

If You’re Ready to Start “Dating” Homes…

I’ll be honest with you. I won’t tell you every house is the one.I’ll help you learn what to say no to — so that when we find the right one, your yes will be clear and confident.

Whether you're ready now or just starting to explore…Let’s talk. No pressure, no push.

Just matchmaking.

— Marissa

📞 650-296-3036

📍 San Bruno Real Estate Specialist

📧 marissa.torres@kw.com

🌐 marissatorresrealtor.com