Thursday, October 1, 2026
For many buyers, the search for a new home begins with a clear vision — a specific neighborhood, must-have features and a picture-perfect layout. But real estate professional Oksana Malayeva said that mindset can sometimes stand in the way of finding the right fit.
“I always say you need to feel the house, not see a house in pictures,” Malayeva said. “You need to come in and feel the house.” While online listings and photos are a starting point, they rarely tell the full story. Layout, flow and overall atmosphere often only reveal themselves in person.
Setting realistic expectations is key, especially in a competitive market. Buyers may enter the process with long wish lists, but Malayeva encourages them to focus on what truly matters.
“It’s about the layout more than anything,” she said, noting that cosmetic details like paint or finishes can be changed, while structure and functionality are harder to alter.
Trusting a real estate agent’s guidance can also make a significant difference. Malayeva, who has shown countless homes across Long Island, often encourages clients to consider properties they might otherwise dismiss.
“The homes that they don’t want to see — that’s the house that they end up buying,” she said. “It’s been my experience.”
That approach may mean stepping outside of preconceived ideas. Buyers frequently rule out homes based on photos or location assumptions, but those decisions can be limiting.
“The houses are very deceiving from the outside, from the pictures,” Malayeva said. “When you walk in, it’s a completely different house — totally unexpected.”
She recalls working with a buyer who insisted on having a basement — until she found the right home without one. By rethinking priorities and exploring alternatives, the buyer discovered a better overall fit.
“I ask people, ‘Why do you need a basement?’” Malayeva said. “Sometimes there’s another solution that works even better for their lifestyle.”
Ultimately, Malayeva believes the home-buying process should be guided by both practicality and intuition. “Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions people make,” she said. “You have to keep an open mind and trust the process.”
By balancing expectations with flexibility — and leaning on expert advice — buyers may find that their dream home isn’t always the one they first imagined, but the one they almost overlooked.
Herald Content Studio articles are produced by the Herald’s marketing division and independent of the newsroom. The Herald may be compensated by featured companies or purchases made through these articles, which does not constitute the Herald’s endorsement.
