Life + Culture

8 Tips for Developing Your Wish List When Buying a New Home

Home shopping can be a very stressful task. The pressure to find that perfect home can get overwhelming. To help elevate the stress and keep you on track, developing a wish list will help to keep you moving forward. Here are eight tips for developing your wish list when buying a new home.

1- Location is Everything

They always say that location is everything. However, it is not as simple as picking a state and town. Decide what matters to you. Do you need/want to live near shopping, schools, or the gym? What is the noise level and traffic in the neighborhood? Are their kids, or are the neighbors older? Drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day. It may seem to be quiet and peaceful during the daytime hours. However, the evenings and weekends may be different.

2- What Size Do You Need?

Determine the size of the home you need. Do you need four bedrooms to accommodate a growing family, or have the kids left, and you are ready for something smaller? Also, think about the future. Will the house you are considering work for you in five years?

3- New Construction or Resale

It is necessary to separate the two options. Many people want a brand new home and do not want to think about other options. Others are more willing to put their personal touches on an older home.

4- House Interior

What features do you desire in your new home? Consider making a list with three options. Title your lists: needs, wants, and wishes. Start with necessary things like closets, bedrooms, bathrooms, and appliances, and continue to fill your categories.

5- The Overall Property

Consider what you want regarding the property’s landscape. Are you looking for enough land for gardens or a play area for the children? Is a two-car garage a must or outbuildings for extra storage? Is a backyard pool a wish and something you can go without? Or is an area for a backyard kitchen a must because you do a lot of entertaining?

6- Fireplace or Forced Air

Do not overlook the home systems. Do you want everything as modern as possible, such as a tankless water heater and solar panels? Do research to determine all the options that will work best for you. It is alright to be flexible. Do replacements and upgrades a little at that time.

7- Budget

Now is the time to be completely honest. You do not want to fall in love with a house that is not affordable. First, consider getting a preapproval. Next, add downpayment and closing costs. Does the home you are considering need repairs, such as a new roof? Add that amount into the budget plus moving costs. Do not forget regular maintenance, taxes, home insurance, and utility costs.

8- Revise the List

Give your wish list to a real estate agent. They will have the ability to serve you better if they know what you want. As you look at homes, be prepared to revise your wish list. Certain things that mattered in the early stages may not matter as much as you are going through the process.

Richard

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