Getting your House Hunting Ducks in a Row
Everybody is looking for the “perfect home”…. But the definition of perfect differs for everyone! When shopping for a new home, the goal is to find the ideal property that works for you and your family – and that, too, is different for everyone. Perhaps you need the home to be in a specific neighborhood, or school district. Maybe you need a larger yard to accommodate kids or large dogs. Or maybe you are seeking a home with a certain number of bedrooms, or a great kitchen to please the family chef, or one with many garages to store your sports car collection.
Just like when you go grocery shopping, it can be very helpful to put together a shopping list so you don’t forget anything. When it comes to home shopping, the same is true! Preparing your “wish” and “must have” lists can help you and your agent find a home that meets your ideal needs. Here’s how you can prepare:
§ Start with a property “must have” list. Start by going over your “needs” from the property. You’ll need enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone, plus a useful kitchen, laundry room, and living room. If you work from home, you’ll need a space that’s quiet and separate from the rest of the action at home. Consider parking, for the members of your home, and guests too. A two-car garage might be nice, but perhaps only one car needs to be in the garage and space in the driveway for the other car would work. Think ahead, too: if you’re thinking about adding a little one to the family in the future, remember that they’ll need space of their own, too!
§ Once you’ve gone through your “needs”, consider the “wants.” Time to compile your “Wish List” What does your dream home look like? Things like a spacious recreational room for exercise equipment or family game night, a large deck for hosting guests, a pool, and even a nice view are all things you might hope for in your ideal home. Once you have this list, organize each item by their importance to you. Don’t forget to consider the exterior of your home as well- pets and children love room to play, and adults might want a cozy patio where they can enjoy an evening under the stars.
§ The next step is a neighborhood wish list. Again, break down this list into “needs” and “wants”. Needs might include close proximity to work and schools, or a safe and quiet environment. Wants might include having ample space between you and your neighbors, or maybe a short drive to shopping or the kids schools.
§ Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Securing financing will help you out greatly in taking the guesswork out of home shopping. Knowing your available budget can help you determine your options, while also giving you a leg up with sellers who will take you more seriously.
§ Be realistic with your expectations. 99.9% of homes sell at, or very near to, the current market value. Don’t expect to go out and find an undiscovered bargain that no one else has noticed! Beware “too good to be true” deals: there could be issues under the surface that could end up costing you in the long run.
Following these steps will help you focus on finding the right home. To help with these steps, consider browsing listings online! Having a shopping list, having mortgage preapproval, and having realistic expectations will make the process much easier, as your agent will be better able to know what you’re looking for, what you can afford, and then help you take the steps to make your dream home a reality!