Just For Buyers
My Goals- What I want, what I need, and finding the perfect balance between the two.
It is important that we talk about your family's goals in relation to the type of home you are looking for. It is a great idea to sit down as a family before you begin your search and hear everyone's wants and needs. Narrow this list down to your absolute needs, and a larger list of wants. Agree to be flexible as a family when it comes to your wants list
As we search for your new home, we will keep this list in mind. We will also consider the three most important factors to remember in real estate:
Cost, Condition, and Location
Cost
The driving force behind any real estate decision is price. You know what you can afford, so the key is to find a home that includes as many items on your wants and needs list as possible, while staying within your budget.
Condition
The condition of the home ties in with cost considerations. You may find a home for $200,000, but an old roof, dated carpet, and much needed paint job could add thousands or even tens of thousands on top of the price.
Consider
these big ticket items when looking: |
*Exterior-How
old is the roof? Is it in good shape? What type of siding does
the home have and what is the condition? Are decks
and patios in good working order? *Interior-Check that the flooring is in good shape without rips, tears, stains, etc. Will you need to paint? Is the lighting in the home adequate? Consider outdated appliances, cabinets, and other potentially expensive items to replace. *Energy Efficiency-What type of heating is used and how much insulation does the home have? How old are the windows? Are they single or double pane? Double pane low-E windows are most desirable for our cold winters and to keep houses cool during the summer. *Well and Septic-If the home is not on public utilities, make sure that the well and septic are in good working order as they can be incredibly expensive to replace. |
Location
You've heard it a million times, but it remains the single most important phrase to remember as you search:
Location....Location....Location
The location of your home is just as important as the home itself. Your lifestyle, your commute, the proximity to services such as grocery stores and hospitals, and the school system your home is in are all very important matters to weigh as you make your decision.
In general, urban houses are closer to all amenities, but are smaller in both square footage and lot size. Suburban houses are much larger, but farther away from the city amenities.
Factors
to consider when choosing a location |
*Neighborhood safety *School system *Work commute *Proximity to daily needs i.e. gas, grocery, etc. *Transportation *Emergency services *Recreation *Places of worship *Family/Friends |
In addition to these factors, it is also important to evaluate the prices in the neighborhoods we target. Have they risen, fallen, or remained steady? Is there any chance of future development in the area? Will it help or hinder your property value?
Lastly, the location of your home can have a huge effect on your taxes. Make sure that you keep this number in mind as you compare homes.
Next: Getting the right Loan for you
