A Little Advance Planning Will Help You Enjoy Valuable Long-Term Payoffs.
Some real estate companies just want you to buy buy buy ! They don’t care much if you have to sacrifice your core needs, push aside your deep desires, or stretch beyond your budget. They just want the commission.
But what you want is different. … a home that satisfies as many of your dreams as possible. If you’re a smart buyer, you won’t be steered by an anxious real estate agent. You’ll know exactly what to look for before entering the search process.
Find the right balance between your family’s “needs” and “wants” with this focused Checklist
Over the past 40 plus years, we have developed a checklist to help buyers clarify their needs – and wants – so they can save time by zeroing in on properties that match their wishes.
It’s a “sweet sheet”. And it’s yours free, just for the asking…
“Chance favors the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur
House hunting can be very exciting!
Your first step might be to search online websites, checking out at pictures, descriptions and prices. This gives you a general idea of what’s available in the marketplace.
… But when the rubber hits the road and you actually start driving around to have a look, you’ll want to be prepared so you don’t waste time or get frustrated looking at places that don’t fit your specific needs.
… is there open space nearby for your kids and pets?
… what about enough storage and closet space?
… does the kitchen open to the living area?
… is there space to park a third vehicle?
With the right Realtor, and the right Checklist, your chance of success in finding your ideal home will skyrocket.
These are only a few of the many items you’ll find on the Ultimate Homebuyer’s Checklist .
Financing
If you’re planning on having a mortgage as part of your purchase, it’s important to know how much you are willing to pay each month to cover the mortgage payment.
You’ll also want to know about average monthly utility expenses and any other costs, like Homeowners Association fees, if any. Understanding this will help you, and your Realtor®, when searching for properties within your desired budget.
Location, Location, Location
For many homebuyers location is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Schools, access to roadways, nearby open spaces or bike trails, shopping, hospitals, workplaces, etc. all play a role in choosing a location.
Your Ultimate Homebuyers Checklist and competent advice from a Realtor® who really knows the area will help you zero in on the ideal location(s) to consider.
Notes and Photos
Throughout a day of searching and viewing several homes, we find it very helpful if you take good notes and photos for properties that interest you. Later, when you’re considering the properties you viewed you can refer to the notes and photos to help with your decision making.
Needs and Wants
A big part of getting most of what you’re looking for is to have a clear idea of your “must-have” needs, and your “love to have” wants.
Being prepared to make compromises on some of these is a good mindset to have when you begin your search. Are you willing to trade a “must have” third bathroom for a “love to have” large garden area in the backyard? Flexibility is your friend when it comes to needs and wants.
And keep in mind, if you don’t see the large backyard patio on an otherwise perfect home…could you add it later?
Choosing the right Realtor®
This may seem self-serving, but it’s not meant to be.
Having a true professional advocate on your side has multiple benefits:
- In the search process of whittling through all the listings to select the most suitable properties based on your specific desires.
- Having a deep understanding about obvious and not so obvious situations surrounding certain neighborhoods.
- Making keen experienced observations about potential problems or upsides to specific properties.
- The ability to negotiate the very best purchase price for you.
- Overall guiding of the entire process to help your buying experience be as pleasant and seamless as possible.
If you’re looking for a great experience when searching for your new home, give us a call. We’re members of the BBB, several Chambers of Commerce, National Association of Realtors®, and subscribe to all the best search options, like MLS to help you find the perfect place.
Fill out the form below to download your checklist!
