Buying a home is a big step, but where do you start? If you're looking into buying a new home, here are 3 questions you should ask yourself!
Where do I want to live?
This question might seem a bit broad at first, so you need to make sure you get specific!
Take a few weeks to really study different areas in the city or town that you're looking to move into. Make lists of areas you think you'd like, and then go personally drive through them.
Make sure you note if the location is suitable for your own needs, including walkability, school districts, proximity to your work, etc.
What is my budget?
When it comes to how much money you are going to budget for your home, there are a few things to consider.
Aspects to a home purchase like your down payment, earnest money, and closing costs can all begin to add up when you look at them from an objective standpoint.
It can be easy to get a bit too emotional when it comes to home buying, and that's not always a bad thing!
However, when it comes to your finances, you need to take a step back and realistically evaluate what you're looking to spend.
Furthermore, if you are going to purchase a home with a loan, you will need to get prequalified. This will be the determinant in your home buying budget.
Talking about money can be a touchy subject, but surrounding yourself with an agent and loan officer who is on YOUR team really helps!
Create a list of nonnegotiables.
You know that list you have in the back of your mind that you're not willing to give up when it comes to features in your future home? Write it down! Keep it near you when you are looking at homes.
I'm not saying you won't have to comprise with something, many of the homes you might see might be missing some of your dream features! But the point of this is to assess what is truly important to you.
Bigger ticket items will often take priority. You might want gold hardware in the bathrooms, but what if you find an incredible home that has everything but that?
Of course you might say no, but you also might just remind yourself that hardware can be changed up later on!
I encourage my clients to look at a house from an objective standpoint as well as an emotional one. It's all about balance.
When you're making this list, put stars by what you're not willing to give up. Maybe that's a pool, or an office space with lots of natural light.
This part is COMPLETELY up to you and your preferences, so take your time. Best of luck!
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