The Key to Finding Your Dream Home

You're ready to buy a home, but not just any home. This home needs to fit your unique style and needs. But you also have to be realistic, it has to fit your budget. You probably won't win the lottery next week so let's start with a point by point plan to find your special home.

These list below will help you prioritize the features, elements, and amenities you’re looking for in your new home. Some are non-negotiable must haves, others are more on a wish list if price allows, and lastly you'll see some that you may not have considered but not realize their importance.

 Price -- Knowing ahead of time how much you can afford and what you are able to spend immediately enables us to narrow down the vast market of homes to about 10 percent of what’s currently on the market.

Property Type -- Are you looking for a house, town home, condo, co-op, or multi-unit home?

Condition of property -- New or old? How much sweat equity do you want to put into the property? Do you want to pay a little less and invest time and money to improve the house yourself, or do you want to buy a house that’s ready to move into?

Must-haves -- What do you absolutely need? An office? A room for the new baby?

Wish list -- Separate from the must have. You may only need a 3 bedroom home but a 4th would be nice Or perhaps you'd like a pool or space to park your boat. These extra features cost more money. Can you go up in your sales price? Or maybe you can get yourself established in this house and then later move-up the home that has all your extras when your income allows it to be a reality.

Separating Your Wishes from Your Needs -- This is a key element to house shopping. It will help you sort through all the properties on the market quickly and easily, focus on those that are in your price range and worth your time and energy to view and inspect. As you start viewing homes, you will begin to separate your needs from your wishes and decide where you can compromise to meet your budget goals.

Location -- Where do you want to live? If you’re like most home buyers, you have a basic idea of where you want to live. Proximity to family, friends and/or work plays a significant part in where you ultimately want to put down roots. However, there is a lot of leeway within these parameters – neighborhoods and communities within the same distance often vary quite a lot.


If you are ready to start the process, give me a call. I'd love to work together with you to find the right home that you'll love coming home to each night!