Summer is one of the busiest times of year for real estate, since warmer weather inspires sunnier ambitions. So how can you stay prepared and get ahead of the competition?

It’s important to know your budget and your limits, so make sure you have your finances in order and meet with your lender early in the process to get pre-qualified. This will give you a good idea of what homes you can actually afford, allowing you to stay laser-focused on the most realistic options once competition heats up. While everyone else is still touring homes, you’ll be ready to make an offer first.

However, as temperatures rise and the number of prospective buyers increases, home prices are likely to do the same, as simple supply and demand prevails. Knowing your “must haves” versus your “wants” in a home will serve you well. Planning is key, so it’s important to stay patient as you navigate the shopping process.

On the other hand, there are plenty of understated upsides to summer home shopping. Importantly, all that fun in the sun means people will be outside more often, making it easier for you to get a good feel for the neighborhood. Are there kids around who could befriend yours? Are your potential neighbors acting neighborly? How’s the noise — is your quiet tree-lined street truly quiet? And what about the traffic?

Another seasonal perk is that it’s much harder to hide a home’s bruises under clear blue skies. You can see the roof clearly since it’s free of snow and ice, and you can better assess the landscaping when the leaves are still on the trees instead of strewn across the backyard. Look out for drainage conditions and potential standing water, then evaluate how well the air conditioning is working.

Many people prefer moving in the summer, especially if you have school-aged children. Sellers may be looking to relocate their own families before the start of a new school year, and, with that, they may opt for a faster closing and provide you with occupancy at close — or they may ask for additional time to make sure they’re fully prepared for their move. Providing flexible terms is an attractive way to get your offer accepted without requiring additional money. Plan ahead, though, since summer is peak moving time and movers book up fast. Plus, since demand will be higher, moving costs will also be higher. Snowstorms can cause delays, but heat waves can make moving days miserable.

Even with the increase in competition and the added ease of seeing the condition of the property, be sure not to rush things. This is the largest purchase you can make, and it isn’t returnable. Don’t waive inspections or contingencies unless you are very confident. Quick decisions still require deep thought.

Like many things in life, there really is no perfect time to buy a home. Instead of waiting for everything to be just right, make a plan, be prepared, and do what you can to enjoy the ride. Buying a home is the first step to creating lifelong memories, so be sure to make some along the way. Happy hunting!

Kate McDougall is VP of Regional Mortgage Production at Lake Michigan Credit Union. With over 20 years of mortgage industry experience, Kate and her expert team help make homeownership more affordable by pairing buyers with personalized home loans.