Buying a home involves lots of number crunching and other practical considerations. But there’s no denying it’s also an emotional process. What you can afford will constantly butt up against what your heart (and maybe your partner’s heart) desires, so it’s important to think through what the “right home” means to you.
It’s not always possible for a home to tick off every single box on your list of wants. But it is possible to find a house that makes a great home for you and your family, and helps you start building wealth. Here are some topics to keep in mind as you begin your hunt.
Have a sit-down with your agent
The first step in finding the home that’s right for you is to find an agent you like, and sit down for an honest conversation. Let the agent know your hopes and dreams. Based on the market in your area and your budget, they can help you narrow down your list of must-haves and decide what you could live without.
A skilled agent will know what’s available, what might be coming on the market soon, and current pricing trends. They can help guide your search, keeping it realistic and helping you avoid disappointment.
Resolve conflicting desires
If you’re buying a home with a partner, it’s likely you’ll want different things when it comes to must-haves in your future home. Be sure to sit down and have an honest conversation, and come to an agreement about what features you’re willing to compromise and which ones are deal breakers. For example, maybe you could do without a walk-in closet if you had to, but outside space is a must. Whatever your preferences may be, it’s important to be clear with your partner early in the process.
Know your must-haves (and when to be flexible)
Your non-negotiables might be a good school district, a quiet environment, or a two-car garage. Don’t stray from the home features that are most important to you for something that might seem nice but is less important in the big picture. For example, maybe don't sacrifice a great neighborhood for a newly-remodeled kitchen, especially if you’re not big on cooking.
Keep location at the top of your priorities
When touring homes, it’s easy to fall for a beautifully staged living room, or a large, dreamy bathroom. But if it’s not in a neighborhood you’re excited about, it might be better to keep looking. Don’t dismiss things like noisy nearby railroad tracks, bars with frequent live music, or garbage dumps even if you love the remodeled bathroom or expansive deck.
Don’t be distracted by decor
Home staging is common practice these days—i.e. sellers pay an interior designer to make the house look like a House Beautiful spread. So it’s important to focus on the bones of the home rather than the decor, since that fabulous furniture won’t remain when you move in.
On the flip side, if the sellers didn’t pay for staging, the decor might be a huge turnoff. Don’t let floral sofas or plastic plants detract from a home that has a light-filled kitchen, a lovely backyard, or is in your ideal neighborhood. Pay attention to what the house has to offer beneath the surface, and imagine how you would decorate it to suit your own tastes.
Note how you feel
Don’t let a strict checklist dismiss a good feeling you might get when touring a home. Maybe the architecture is not exactly what you imagined, but you’re getting a homey vibe. Maybe it’s smaller than you hoped but you love the idea of hanging out in the backyard. Pay attention to your emotions when you tour a house because you want to feel good living in what’s probably the biggest investment of your life.
Be patient—if you can
If you’re not on a strict timeline—i.e. you have a place to live for as long as you need to while you’re house hunting—take your time. You may find your future home in your first weekend of tours, or you may need to look at 25 or more. Compromises are often necessary, but don’t make too many due to a self-imposed deadline.
Think longterm
The home-buying process is a bit like interviewing for a job. Can you picture yourself in this home in five years? Maybe the bathroom is not ideal, but can you imagine having the resources to remodel it in five years? Are you planning on growing your family? If so, will there be enough space?
According to Redfin, people are staying in their homes twice as long as they did in 2005, which is contributing to an inventory shortage. So it’s important to imagine your future life in your new home.
At the end of the day, only you can decide which home is right for you. By carefully considering all of your wants, needs, and must-haves, you’ll be well on your way to closing on a home that makes you happy for many years to come.
Sources: U.S. New & World Report, Realtor.com, QuickenLoans, Redfin
Comentarios