Finding Your Perfect
Home
As
the old saying goes, real estate is all about location, location, location. But, there is a lot more to
it than just plain geography when it comes to finding your perfect home. There are a lot of things to consider
during the search because, for most, a home is the most significant purchase they will ever make.
Choose A Good Area
When searching for your
perfect home, the obvious place to start is with the selection of a location. If you have children, you
may want to choose a home that is close to good schools and is also located in a family-oriented neighborhood.
Many people also look for a home that offers a short commute to and from work. If you are shopping
within a specific price range, you can also narrow the choices by finding an area that offers the best value for your dollar.
Select
A Style
The
perfect home for you is one that has all of the elements that you want. Whether it's a garage, basement,
extra bedroom or bath, a large kitchen, fireplace or open floor plan, choosing the style of home that you want is an important
first step in finding the perfect place to hang your hat. You may also want to consider whether you prefer
a single-level or two-story home. Many home buyers also factor in floor plans when searching for a house,
including those that offer an open and flowing design.
Get Pre-Qualified
Now that you know what you want and where you want it, it's important to find
out how much of a home you can afford. Pre-qualification is not the same as pre-approval. With
pre-qualification, your lender will request specific information relating to your income and expenditures and will offer a
possible price range for you to keep in mind while shopping. Pre-qualification does not guarantee that
you will receive an approval, but it does give you a good indication of how much you can afford based on your current situation.
Talk
To A REALTOR®
Nobody knows the real estate business like a REALTOR®, so let them help you in your search for
the perfect home. They can answer questions relating to the neighborhood, recent inspections on a particular
home and any needed repairs. Because a REALTOR® has access to a number of area homes, they have the
ability to show you various choices within your preferred area and price range.
Ask
About Amenities
One
of the most significant concerns of any home buyer is what a home has to offer. Utilities, such as water,
sewer, cable, phone and electricity are just a few of the things to consider. If the home is in a subdivision
that requires the payment of association dues, how will these funds be used? What amenities does the home
owner's association offer? These are all questions to ask your REALTOR® when shopping for the perfect
home.
In
conclusion, you should know that the search for your perfect home is a journey. It may
be either long or short and with or without some bumps along the way, but the greatest satisfaction will be at the journey's
end and your future's beginning.
