CHOOSING A HOME Once you have selected several neighborhoods, you can then begin the search for available homes within those neighborhoods to take a look at.
One of the best ways to stay focused and on track is to create a “Wish List” of the features you desire most. Some features to consider include:
· Price
· Number of Bedrooms
· Style of Home (Two Story, Ranch, Split Level, Bi-Level, etc.)
· Open Spaces or more Defined Spaces within the Home
· Number of Bathrooms
· Garage, On-Street or Off-Street Parking
· Basement
· Square Footage
· Age and Condition of the Home
The initial draw of a home will be its curb appeal, which is important, but beyond that, walking through a home is much more than seeing it. You need to see it, feel it, smell it, touch it and get a good look at the actual home.
Some homes may be vacant, while others may be decorated beautifully. Remember, to be practical and focus on the bare bones of each home. Does the home meet the majority of the features on your “wish list”?
As you’re viewing each home, you’ll want to take note of your first impressions, the condition, layout and anything else you notice or have questions about.
Take your time and be sure to ask questions. Your REALTOR may already have or can get the answers to your questions and can offer you some sound advice.
Reviewing your notes will help make the process less daunting. Your notes can also benefit you in negotiations when you choose to make an offer on a home.
Key Considerations in Choosing a Home…
Amenities
Does the home have the majority of the key features and amenities you outlined on your wish list? Sometimes one bathroom will suffice, even though you really wanted two. Or, perhaps it only has a one car garage instead of two. Remember, not every home will have all of the features you’re looking for, so you’ll need to decide if the home is suitable based on what it did have.
Age and Condition of Home
The age and condition of a home can affect your budget, depending on the extent of any repairs and maintenance. Be sure to consider this when viewing homes. Think about whether you prefer a new construction home, an existing home or a fixer upper. Not all existing homes need repairs and not all newly constructed homes are problem free, but the age and condition of a home are important consideration to keep in mind.
Profit Potential
As with choosing a neighborhood, looking to the future for when you may decide to sell is an important consideration. In order to protect your hard-earned dollars and your investment…Your Home…you want to make sure it has profit potential. Therefore, when evaluating a home, you have to evaluate the resale potential.
Take Action When You Find the Right Home
The best priced homes, the ones in the best neighborhoods, the ones with the most desirable features, go quickly. It’s all too often that a Buyer finds the right home, but hesitates to make the offer or wants to sleep on it, only to lose the home they wanted to someone else who beat them to the punch. When you find the home that’s right for you, take action. You could be in your new home in just a few short weeks.
You want a home that you can feel good about. And one that buyers will want to live in when you are ready to move on.