When it comes time to finding and buying a new home, tackling the house search during the fall months may not be your first choice. This time of year can be a little hectic with school schedule, kids’ activities, and holiday plans. However, life happens. Sometimes, you simply do not have a choice but go ahead and make the move. And that is perfectly fine!

While the housing market tends to see a boom in the spring, buying a home in the fall still presents plenty of opportunities. To help guide you through the process, following are a few simple tips to keep in mind as you check out houses and prepare to buy a new home during the fall season.

1. Have your finances prepared.

Many sellers are motivated by the potential of a quick sale, so they can get the process completed before the holidays are in full swing. If you are also interested in moving quickly, you need to be prepared before you get serious about looking at houses. Make sure you are pre-approved for a mortgage. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a house, only to find out that a bank will not loan you the money you need. Additionally, you also want to make sure you have the funds available for a down payment. Whether that involves cutting out a few expenses to save quickly or taking money out of your savings account, you will need that down payment to take any action.

2. Make a list of your priorities.

There is no problem with buying a house in the fall, but you need to understand that your options will be more limited than if you waited until the spring. With less inventory available, it is imperative that you make a list of your priorities. There is a big difference between priorities and wants. For instance, while it may be nice to have a spacious master bedroom, it may be a priority to stay in a certain school district. Discuss these items with your realtor to help you identify the homes that meet your must-have criteria.

3. Imagine what the house could be like.

Depending on the exact day and time of the fall season you go check out a house, you need to understand that the property may not look its very best. Typically, homes are their most picturesque in the spring. The grass is green, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the sky is perfectly blue. In the fall, you never know what you may get. It could be a sunny day where the changing leaves are in their full glory, and you are able to imagine spending cozy fall days at this new home. Alternatively, it could be a cloudy and cool day, with lots of dead leaves fallen everywhere, and it becomes hard to see the house as a home. If you are buying a house in the fall, you may need to use your imagination to envision what the house can really look like at its best.