Are you ready to buy your dream home? It may not be a mansion with a mote, but the house you buy shouldn't be something you settle for. Find the most you can. Here's how it works.
The first thing you need to do is decide what's really most important in the home or property you're looking for. Do you want to be in a well-kept suburban neighborhood? Do you want the diversity of an urban neighborhood? Do you want a big lawn, a big house or a four-car garage? You probably can't have it all, but once you determine what's really most important, go from there.
That should give you an idea of where to look at homes. If you're using an agent, you may want to tell them not to bother showing you homes without some of your big priority features""whether it's five bedrooms, a large lawn or both.
After setting your sights on some of the main things""location, size, price and style""you should make another list of the features you want.
This would include things such as one or two-story, wood, tile or carpet, fireplace, basement or type of heating/cooling.
Flexibility is always key and you may have to trade one want for another feature. By prioritizing things, you find what's really most important to you and your family. Don't be afraid to re-shuffle items and account for things you didn't plan on.
The first thing you should do is be sure the house and its infrastructure are in order. Once then, you can begin using your criteria to find your dream house. You'll find if you look hard and long enough, you'll find something that has just about everything you want. There's a house out there for everyone.
Just as you should not be afraid to get as much as you can with a loan, don't be afraid to keep your price window low. This will save you money every month and it may be worth it to give up one of your wants.
Use the priority lists to find out what you need and want and what is non-negotiable. It's a good way to find your way home.
