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Helpful Tips
5. Narrow the Search Before You Begin House
Hunting.
If you are buying a home, one of the first things your real
estate professional will do before taking you on home tours
is interview you to determine the type of house you want
such as a 2,000 square foot 4-bedroom, split level with a
formal dining room and two-car garage. But just important
is the type of community you want to live in. Knowing what
your requirements are will help narrow your home search and
save time.
To expedite the house-hunting process, start by making a
list of the dream home factors that are most important to
you and your family's lifestyle. Consider style, location,
proximity to work and schools, yard size, children in the
community, and of course price.
Price and location generally are the key factors you'll use
to identify the communities that best suit you. If you are
moving within the same city, you may want to start your
community search by getting in your car and exploring. There
are also resources on the Internet that let you compare
communities.
You'll want to ask yourself critical questions, such as: Do
you dream of something quaint and charming that can only be
found in an older area? Or, do you prefer everything new?
Are you willing to sacrifice size and space for
architectural detailing? What about drive and commute time
to the office and schools? Will you forgo the number of
bedrooms and a big yard for proximity to a lake or other
recreational areas?
Whether you have children or not, buying a home in a
community with good schools is important. It not only adds
value to your property, but also is an attractive feature
when and if you decide to sell. There are plenty of
resources available to get information about schools within
the communities you are considering. Various Internet sites
offer school reports and profiles. They provide statistical
data such as graduation rates, college-bound percentages,
and standardized test scores. You can also learn about
special programs the schools offer. In addition to these
reports, many schools have their own websites you can
peruse. And of course you can always talk to people in the
area or take a tour of the school.
Some other factors you'll want to consider during your
community search are crime, recreational activities,
proximity to shopping and restaurants, and other specific
family needs.
Once you've narrowed your search to two or three communities
that fit your price range and lifestyle parameters, make
comparisons of price and sales activity. Your real estate
professional can help you determine which communities are
most sales-worthy at present, and which are more likely to
continue to be.
There are many factors involved in selecting the right
community for you and your family. Discuss your options with
your real estate professional. This will provide the
information he or she needs to help your find property
listings to tour. Remember, a targeted approach to house
hunting is less time consuming, less expensive and more
efficient. |
