5 Secrets to Buying a Home You Love

You want to buy a home but don’t know where to start? If you're like most people, buying a home can seem overwhelming - especially if it is your first home! Follow these 5 secrets to make sure you find a home you love. 

1. Location, location, location – it’s not likely you’ll relocate your home, so start by finding a location you love. You may want to consider things like access to schools, amenities, public transportation or highways, plus parks and shopping. Be sure to visit potential homes at different times of the day and night to get a feel for the area and neighborhood. We recently had a client that wasn't aware that a home she was considering didn't have sidewalks or streetlights in the neighborhood - until she drove by at night.
2. Is this your forever home? Sometimes it’s best to get your foot in the market and upgrade to a larger home in the future. Maybe a condo or a townhouse is the way to help you reach your goal of home ownership without all the maintenance of a single family home. By staying focused on your primary goal, you can be more flexible in your search criteria.
3. Dig into the details. Not only do you want to consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, but also things like storage space, work-from-home space, outdoor areas, or maybe the need for a half bath for guests. Recognize that no home will likely have everything you are looking for and you may have to make compromises. If you prioritize your new home wish-list before looking at homes, you'll be better equipped to make decisions when it comes time to write an offer. Do you want to see the buyer questionnaire we give our clients to help them prioritize their must-haves and nice-to-haves? Email us and we'll share it with you.
4. Then there’s that little something extra. What amenities are you hoping for – things like a fireplace, a pool, a garage, or a quiet street? Consider if the style of home is important to you. Do you want something updated, or do you want to update it yourself? Especially in today's market, if you're willing to put in a little effort to update the home yourself, you may be able to find an opportunity not everyone is competing for.
5. And finally, stick to your price. Work with your lender to understand what you can realistically afford and share that with your agent. Then don’t look at homes above your budget – that’s the fastest way to get frustrated with the process! 

Do you have questions about how to get started? Call or email us and ask!