A Guide to Finding the Home of Your Dreams

Buying your first home is truly a special experience.  You saved up, searched around for months, and finally landed on one that just felt right.  If you’re not quite there yet, don’t worry- finding the home of your dreams isn’t as difficult as you might think!  Here are a few tips to help you get closer to closing the deal on the home you want!

Where Do You Want to Live?

Whether you’re moving across the country or just to the next town over, it is important to weigh your options when it comes to purchasing a house.  For example, if your job has taken you to Miami, start by looking at different neighborhoods in the city and narrow it down to a few that you like.  Once you find a neighborhood that you like, make sure you look at as many houses as possible before making a decision. You may think you’ve found the right one, but there could be another one around the corner that you haven’t checked out.  Keep your mind and options open in the beginning stages of house hunting.

Think About What’s Important to You

When it comes time to start looking, think about what you really want in a home.  Have you always loved the idea of having a kitchen island? Do you love the look of marble countertops?  Is it important for you to have a big backyard for your kids to run around in? Keep this in mind when beginning your house hunting adventure, and don’t feel like you need to settle just because you haven’t found your dream home yet.  It may also be helpful to tell your realtor the things you’re looking for in a house, so that they can keep their eye out for any of these features.

Think Outside the House

When shopping around for a home, it’s normal to get caught up in the details of the house and put other factors on the back burner.  Things like how far the house is from local attractions, the quality of the school district, and the crime rate are all important factors to keep in mind when looking at homes.  You should also consider whether you want to live in a city, suburb, or rural area. For instance, rural areas are lovely, but they get much darker at night, and may require wildlife control to keep your household safe. Make sure you’re happy with the new responsibilities.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle plays a big part in the home you decide to purchase.  Do you have a dog that frequently needs to be walked? Do you own more than one vehicle and need extra room for parking?  Does anybody in your home have a disability that requires a wheelchair ramp or other special accommodations? You should also think about future lifestyle changes, such as the possibility of having children, getting more pets, etc.  When looking for a home, it is important to stay true to yourself and not compromise on certain lifestyle needs, otherwise you could end up sacrificing something essential.