How did you know your house was "the one"?

[msfreud]

Thanks for all the useful advice so far in my other posts!

My question is as in the subject - how did you know your house was "the one" when you viewed it? Especially if you've bought recently and/or in an area where the market moves very quickly?

I viewed a house today that on paper ticks all my important boxes and had a good feel about it. It didn't wow me completely but I know I would be happy living there... only I can't help thinking what if an even better house comes onto the market next week? Or maybe I should view some of the others saved in my favourites on Rightmove, maybe I should try one station further away (this is in London), with one less bedroom but a bigger kitchen, something bigger with less character etc. Is it normal to have doubts or does it mean I haven't found the right house yet?

But with the market being like it is, I know I have to offer by Monday afternoon at the latest or else one of the many others from the open day will do so.

We made a list of all the things we wanted-size, garden, close to shops, close to station, off road parking, detached, quiet road etc etc, then gave each house we saw a mark out 2 -0- none, 1-quite good, 2-fab, for each criteria. Then added up the scores. I found it really helpful as the house we bought didn't have everything but on the scoring system it beat everywhere else hands down. Helped me to be sure it was the right decision. Only you know how important things like period features are to you but I really value space and proximity to local amenities myself.

I knew as soon as we pulled into the driveway. Don't know why. It was our house to be happy in as a couple, because we'd failed to conceive. Five months later in our happy house we had a line on a stick. DD has been happy here for fifteen years and never wants to leave.

Thanks all.

Well, the house has now gone under offer Monday morning after an open day on Saturday - because I offered and had my offer accepted! And felt really happy afterwards - I guess that is how I know it is the right house.

For anyone interested in London prices, my offer was actually around £3k under asking price but I am in an excellent buying position. But maybe the frenzy of needing to offer £20k over asking price is finally coming to an end? This is SE London, still affordable but "up and coming" area.

Congratulations msf hope it all goes smoothly for you