Having your house listed is similar to animal visitations at the zoo. There is a consistent parade of strangers coming in and out of your dwelling, touching your things, critiquing where you live, and tracking in dirt. My house was recently listed and while I went through the experience I had to in turn look for a new place to live. We are still currently on the hunt for the right house, and let me say there have been some missed opportunities.



Much like the job search, house hunting is about doing numerous walk-throughs until you find something that fits. When you’re down to the wire to find a dwelling, like we are, you may get pushed into an option that you would otherwise pass up. With a job one of the main motivators is money, and if you have people depending on you for that then after your 30 days is up you may feel pressured to just pick something. Don’t sell yourself short by going with the closest option. Just like with the house, it’s where you’ll be for a year, two years, or maybe even five years from now. Every job influences your career so be cognizant on where you plan to “hang your hat” even if it’s for the short term.





Starting from scratch, or renting, is one of the easiest ways to move onto home ownership. You need to time your lease renewal date with a purchase time, and you don’t have to sell before you move on. For those that have to sell before they buy again, like me, it’s a much more tedious process. The same can be said about looking for a job. Whether you’re coming at it from an employed standpoint, or unemployed status, one may be easier to leapfrog from than the other. In both, having some form of leverage will put you ahead of the rest of the group.



You Leverage Assets




In your career this can be anything from a specific skillset in your industry, or a desired degree for a position you’re eyeing. With the house hunt it’s about equity, credit scores, time, and money. The better offer you can make toward the house of your dreams, the higher your chances become of obtaining that property.



In the job search you can also leverage your LinkedIn connections and recommendations to launch you into the next spot. Making yourself available to the employer when they need you is desireable as well. Much like a rent-back option for a seller who is in limbo.



Showing Investments Sells




The earnest money deposit (EMD) shows the seller how much you’re willing to lose on the house if things don’t go as planned. Typically you would offer 1-2%. This play works the same with the job search. Show that you are invested by sharing your plan for the role you want to get hired for.



Hesitation Ruins Opportunities



Sleeping on a decision until morning can really bite you in the butt. We just recently missed a golden opportunity to purchase a great house because of hesitation. Our offer was submitted alongside two others and we lost. The same can happen for job offers. If you wait to apply even just a day you can kiss your chances goodbye of being reviewed in the first wave. Never hesitate when it comes to going with your gut. Submit the offer the moment you realize it’s the house for you. As for the job, make sure your resume is ready at all times to hit send.



One thing we often do, because of our busy lives, is not stopping to tackle an opportunity. There are countless reasons why something might not work, but it is never a good excuse to pass it up. Take the extra 5-10 minutes to research the position, the house, the community, the schools, or the company. Give yourself reasons to invest in it, rather than talking yourself out of making time for it.



There Will be Letdowns



Don’t get discouraged if the first house doesn’t work out, or if you don’t hear back after submitting five or more applications. Something will stick. If you can’t find the house, look at temporary housing until you find something more permanent. As for jobs, contract work can be a viable option as well. You’re getting a paycheck and you are giving the employer a trial run to see if they fit you as well.



So a word to the wise for those in the same boat as myself…don’t give up. Keep your chin up and keep hoping for the best. Also, don’t settle! Know your worth, and know your bottom line for the job and your home.