Picking the right house for you can be challenging, especially when you are buying for the first time. But, you it does not have to be!
Here are some things to consider to help guide your decision:
Price. Getting pre-approved for a loan will tell you how much you can spend on your home. Talking to a lender BEFORE you look for a home is ideal so you don't fall in love with a house that isn't in your price range. Filtering your choices by price is a great way to narrow it down a little.
Pick your musts, wants, and cant haves. -Before you begin looking, make a list of things that your new home MUST have. Examples might be number of rooms or bathrooms, good roof, or whether or not it has a pool. -Next, make a list of things you want-but, if your new home doesn't have it, it wont be a deal breaker. An example of this would be hardwood floors or an updated kitchen. -Then, make a list of things you do not want in a new home and if it had it, it would be a deal breaker. Examples might be a fixer upper, a house on a busy street, or no laundry hookups. Once you make these lists, it will help you rule some homes out of your search. Your realtor can also only show you homes that meet your criteria.
Location. Think of the part of town you would like to live in. Is it near your current residence? Is it near family? Maybe you want to be closer to work or the gym. Think of what is important to you and that will help you narrow down a part of town or even neighborhood you're interested in. Most anything about a house can be adjusted or changed but the location will stick.
Your current living situation. Think of the things you love and dislike about your current residence. Do you love the size of the bedrooms or the backyard? Do you hate the outdated bathroom or maybe the color of the carpet? What do you think of the floor plan? Being aware of what you love about your home now will help you pick a house that will work for you in the long haul.
Family and roommates. Perhaps you will be living with family or a roommate? If you have kids, will they go to the same school if you move? If you have a pet, do they have what they need to live comfortably? And arguably most important, will they all live comfortably in the size of home you are looking for? Acknowledging these factors early and considering them when you decide your wants, needs, and cant haves will really help your search.
When considering your home search, begin with these things. It will make the process smooth and stress free knowing that you are getting what you want and need in a home. Happy searching!
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