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s a seasoned real estate broker, I've worked with clients across various budgets and found that there's no such thing as the perfect house. Buyers often start their search with a long list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, but it's only when they begin touring homes in person that they truly understand what matters most to them.

    Every home comes with trade-offs, regardless of budget, location, or market conditions. The key is knowing how to evaluate what's essential versus what can be compromised on. That's where the 80-10-10 rule comes in – a widely adopted industry metric that helps simplify your search.

    The 80-10-10 rule breaks down into three categories:

    * 80% of what you love: This is the foundation of your dream home, including location, lot size, or architectural style. These are features you'll be hard-pressed to change.

    * 10% of what you can improve: Think paint color, countertops, flooring, or cosmetic fixtures – things you can upgrade over time to bring the home closer to your vision.

    * 10% of what you can live with: Minor issues like a neighbor's fence or a water tower in the distance may not be ideal but are livable.

    To make informed decisions about your future home, I recommend touring multiple properties before making an offer. To stay focused and grounded during this process, I created the L.O.V.E. Framework:

    * Location: Prioritize the property's location, considering proximity to work, schools, transit, or lifestyle essentials.

    * Offerings: Evaluate the home's specs, including bedroom/bathroom count, square footage, garage, yard, systems, and infrastructure.

    * Value add: Consider potential for improvement or building equity over time.

    * Exit strategy: Think about resale potential, even if you plan to stay long-term.

    This framework helps my clients cut through distractions and focus on the fundamentals that matter most for both lifestyle and long-term value.