Deciding to purchase a new home is a big step with many options. When you begin shopping, knowing exactly what you want can be difficult. Here are a few valuable tips to help you choose the perfect home to suit your family’s needs.
Location is Key
The first step in finding the perfect home is choosing the right location. Look for homes in neighborhoods where you can see yourself living for many years. Consider all aspects of the area: school district, commute times for work, and proximity to restaurants and shops. If you’re deciding between locations, visit them in person and talk to real estate agents or residents about the pros and cons of living in the area.
To Choose the Perfect Home, Decide How Much Space You Need
After location, the amount of space is probably the most critical aspect of choosing an ideal home. If you have a big family, the number of bedrooms matters. You’ll want to look at the living space, kitchen size, and whether the basement and attic are finished. If you work from home, can you designate a room for an office? When your family has pets or entertains often, you may want to prioritize a large backyard or deck.
Consider Future Projects
Everyone has a different idea of what “fixer-upper” means. If you’re looking for a long-term project and don’t have to move in right away, you might be more open to buying a home that needs extensive renovations. Or you may be interested in fixing a house but don’t want to start immediately. If that’s the case, look for move-in-ready homes, so you can work on projects as you have time. A house may not be styled or designed precisely to your taste, but you can make updates later, as long as the space is livable.
Know What You Can Afford
Save yourself future disappointment by limiting properties to those within your pre-set budget, and include the costs of any immediate renovations. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin your search to know exactly how much money the bank will provide.
Find a Real Estate Agent to Choose the Perfect Home
To help you find a home, hire a real estate professional who understands your needs. You may need to talk to a few agents before finding the right one, but once you hire them, you’ll have an experienced advocate throughout the home-buying process.
Be Patient
Start looking as early as possible because choosing the perfect home often takes longer than expected. Searching for a house can be stressful, but if you take your time and follow the tips above, you’ll find a home you love in a neighborhood you’ll enjoy.
Danny Inspections provides home inspections for buyers and sellers in the Chicago area. Contact us to request our services.