Your Ideal Home
How well can you articulate what you’re looking for in a new home? Sitting down with pen and paper might be a good way to organize your thoughts. The main items to consider can be broken down into three major categories: location, exterior, and interior. For each category, write down the various elements you need to think about, then give each item the appropriate weight as far as its importance in making your final choice of a home. A typical list might be as follows:
Location:Are good schools important?
Is easy access to public transportation necessary?
Is nearby shopping important? Walking distance?
Are nearby parks and recreation important?
Do you prefer a sub-division or a neighborhood?
Do you prefer brick, shingle, natural, painted, or maintenance free?
How important is the age/condition of the windows?
How much of a yard do you want or need?
Is a garage important?
Do you want/need a gas kitchen?
Do you want/need a formal dining room?
How many baths/half baths do you need?
How many bedrooms do you want/need?
Do you want a fireplace?
Do you prefer hardwood floors or carpet?
How important are updated systems?
Do you want/need a full basement?
Is possible future expansion a consideration?
If you can answer all of these questions, you will help your Real Estate broker or salesperson to focus on only those properties which meet a sufficient number of your most important criteria.