Finding a Home

Searching for a home can be daunting. You may be overwhelmed with choices. Remembering which home had the nicest master suite, or the best kitchen, or the fabulous yard is anything but easy. It’s a good idea to take notes. Even we REALTORs® start to get confused after seeing six similar homes in an afternoon!

In today’s market however, it’s more likely you may not be able to afford what you really want, especially if you are a first-time buyer. And since this is one of the most expensive areas in the country, out-of-state transferees often return home from their first visit with some degree of “sticker shock”

In any circumstance, asking yourself the following questions should help:

• Where Do You Want to Live?
  Consider the overall price range and ambiance of the community. Are good schools important? Is commuting to work a factor? What about municipal services? Taxes? Remember ... it’s easier to change a home than a community (theoretically, at least!)
  
• What Home Features Are Important?
  Obviously, some things will be non-negotiable: If you have children, you won’t be looking for a home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. For any number of reasons, you may prefer a ranch to a colonial, or vice versa. If you own a dog, there may be some townhouse communities that you won’t consider.
  
  Next, try to think of everything you want; then list those items in order of importance. Consider things you have and appreciate in your current home, as well as things you don’t have and often wish you did. Occasionally, buyers know there are specific things they do NOT want. Some common examples include: fireplace, pool, utilities (i.e., gas vs. electric stove, sewer vs. septic, etc.), storage space, and acreage.