How to Find the Right Home
for Me
I spent a lot of time searching for the perfect home and it took me a while to realize that no house is perfect. Taking into consideration the area I wanted to buy into, the size of house I wanted, and my budget, I discovered that I couldn't afford a property with absolutely everything that I wanted. Instead of finding the perfect home, I had to figure out how to find the right home for me.
If you haven't realized yet, searching for a new home can be an overwhelming experience. If you want to avoid wasting time looking at homes that are not right for you and your family, the first thing to do is determine what you need in a home. Having a clear idea of what you're looking for will save you and your real estate agent a lot of time and effort visiting houses that don't appeal to you.
Location
Location, location, location. In real estate, location is almost everything. It is one of the biggest determining factors when it comes to the price of a home, so be prepared if your desire to buy in a certain part of town comes with higher price tag. You can narrow your options down to a few selected areas after you have figured out your price range. Besides your commute to work, you also need to consider things like schools in the area and proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and parks. Be cautious if you find a real estate deal that seems too good to be true. Be certain to research the property thoroughly. For example, check to make sure that the house is not in a flood zone or near a sewage plant and that it doesn't have any environmental problems associated with it.
Size & Features
Be sure to make a list of everything you want your new home to have. Think about things like:
The size of the kitchen you want
The number of bedrooms you want
The number of bathrooms you would like
If you want a large or small yard
If you want a home office or game room
What king of details you would like - crown molding, stainless steel appliances, wood floors, etc.
Prioritizing Wants and Needs
Once you have made your list, rank each item. This will help you differentiate between your wants and needs in a home - what would be nice to have (wants) and what you definitely must have (needs). Next, give this prioritized list of items to your real estate agent. This list will help him/her understand what is important to you in a home, so that he/she can better screen property listings for you. Be sure that you convey to your agent what features are must-haves and deal breakers, then allow your agent to find homes in the area that best fit your criteria. Realize that your list is only a tool that helps you prioritize what's important. It is not set in stone. If the majority of the house meets your needs, do not let yourself get hung up on some detail that you can change by putting forth a little effort. Remember, you can always paint walls, stain cabinets, replace fixtures, or add a fence to the yard.
Be certain to give your real estate agent feedback on the homes you are viewing. Explain to him or her what you do and do not like about the house. Make sure that the real estate agent understands what each house is lacking and don't be affraid to reconvey your needs in a home to your agent. If you discover during the home buying process that your needs have changed, you need to communicate that to your real estate agent.
Searching for a new home is not about finding the perfect house that all your friends and co-workers will envy. It is about finding a home that is right for you and your family. You need to ask yourself "how to find the right home for me", not how to find the perfect home for everyone else.
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