A buyer recently joked that she wished she could pick her favorite pieces from different houses to create her perfect house. Of course we know that isn't possible, but this happens with most buyers.
Most of the time finding the right house isn't finding the 'perfect' house, it is finding the 'best' house for you at this particular point in time. It's a matter of defining priorities, deciding which features are most important and compromising the rest.
As you search for your new home first put together your wish list, including items such as…
- Location – neighborhood, site, yard, view, proximity to recreation, services, work, etc
- Structure – style, floor plan, layout of the house and grounds, potential for renovation/addition, etc
- Size – square feet (both finished and unfinished), # bedrooms and bathrooms, garage stalls, lot size, etc
- Amenities – kitchen requirements, dining areas, fireplace, family room, master bath, upgrades, hardwood, etc
- Condition – move-in condition, unfinished areas, in need of structural and/or cosmetic updates, etc
- Price – specific price or monthly payment target, fair price vs good deal, appreciation potential, how long you plan to live there, etc
Once you have your list together identify the items that are non-negotiable… then prioritize the other items on your list. As you select homes to visit, don't even consider properties that don't fit your non-negotiable criteria.
We are used to filtering by price and size, but don't forget to include other criteria that is important to you as well. I put location first on the list because that's the piece you cannot change in a property. It is where it is and there is nothing you can do to change it. Most other things have the potential for change with an investment in time and/or money.
Most buyers search with their minds but buy with their hearts. Only you can decide what is most important to you. It's all a matter of priorities and compromises.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email – Twin Cities Realtor
RELATED POSTS
Great article. I want to share some of your articles on our site at http://www.relotv.com or http://www.relotv.com/blog. Is that ok?
Mind blowing post! Everyone wish to live in a house designed according to him/her. I agree to your post and would like to add something. In my opinion, colors also increase beauty of house. So choose best possible combination by yourself or follow expert’s choice.