Finding the Perfect Home

By Keith Loria

If a home purchase is on the horizon, you more than likely know exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you desire stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors throughout or a pool in the backyard, letting your agent know what’s on your must-have list is one of the best ways to ensure you find your dream home.

As you go through the process of searching for homes, it’s important to remember that your agent is trained in locating the best properties that fit your criteria, so if your agent isn’t pushing a home that you’ve seen online, there’s a good chance that the house won’t suit your needs.

Sometimes a sort of beer-goggle phenomenon occurs when house hunters look at homes and fall in love with a property that isn’t right for them. When staged properly, a home might appear to be perfect as prospective buyers are often distracted by the cleanliness of the space or even the antique furnishings that have been incorporated into the space to achieve a specific look. Others may be impressed with how much nicer the home is than the rental they’re living in, but again, it doesn’t mean it’s what they truly want.

A good agent will bring you back to reality by reminding you that the house doesn’t have the finished basement or large yard you’re looking for, keeping you more on point in looking at homes that actually meet your specifications.

Another thing to consider when deciding on whether or not a home is right for you is the price. Finding everything in your dream home for a price you can afford may be a little too optimistic, and chances are the right home may come along but at a price that’s a little too steep. Sometimes it’s better to give up one or two items from your list rather than be stuck with a mortgage payment that you can barely keep up with.

Don’t feel like you need to completely overhaul your list of must-haves either. Some features you should stick to your guns with. If you fancy yourself something of a cook and you want a gourmet kitchen, look at houses that only offer these. Has a walk-in closet always been your dream? Wait until you find one. If you’re determined to have a pool, don’t look at houses without them. Why fall in love with a home if it doesn’t have what you really want?

Along the same lines of thinking, if you started your house hunt wanting four bedrooms, you probably shouldn’t settle for less. There’s a reason you came up with this number and the last thing you want is to be in a home that you outgrow quickly because you jumped at a house that wasn’t really what you needed.

Of course, there are some things that can be changed in a home, so if it doesn’t have the spa bathtub you want or the top-of-the-line washer and dryer you have your heart set on, you can always make those changes down the line. Just make sure whatever needs to be added or replaced doesn’t turn into something that’s impossible to afford.

When searching for a new place to call home, take your time so that you end up with a home that’s as close to your dream as possible. Be sure to keep your agent in the loop when it comes to the things you’re looking for—and those that are an absolute must—so that you don’t spend time looking at houses that don’t fit your needs and lifestyle.

For more information about finding the perfect home, contact our office today.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.