It's a buyer market! If you're on the look-out for a fffabulous home, what's better than to receive free advice from a professional? Here are a few tips from Michele, a realtor at Sereno Group Real Estate, on how to find a fffabulous home. Thanks Michele!
"Once you have decided you want to buy a home, and while viewing one house after the other, it is important to consider the following criteria so that you'll be happy about your choice and investment:
- Consider your lifestyle now and in 5 years. For instance if you are planning on having children, perhaps you should skip "The Entertainer's Dream Home" perched on a cliff in favor of the spacious ranch in a neighborhood with great schools.
- Make a list of must-haves, nice-to-have and deal breakers. They'll come handy when you hesitate between two houses.
- Consider your lifestyle. If you don't have the time or inclination to work on your new home, or if you travel a lot, then perhaps a townhouse or condo would be your best option. Every home will need regular maintenance, but with a townhouse or condo, you will only be responsible for maintaining the inside of it.
- While a staged home is great for giving decorating ideas, it can also hide some serious design flaws. Have your Realtor help you get a clear picture of the home.
- Does the kitchen have the ability/space to have all the appliances you want? If your dream is to have a kitchen with a gas cooktop, make sure the kitchen can have a gas line run to it if it doesn't already.
- Check the natural light in the home. Do you want the sun to come up in your bedroom or do you like to sleep in?
- Go for a walk in the neighborhood one evening or on the weekend. If you plan on walking your dog every day, bring the dog too. You will get a real sense of the neighborhood on foot.
- Get up extra early and drive to the home. Leave from the house at the time you would normally go to work. Check traffic flow and commute time. Note: this won't work in reverse in the evening because you won't be able to tell if there are any schools affecting traffic.
- Always buy the best neighborhood you can afford if the house can meet your needs. See #2.
- Always get and review the property inspections with your Realtor. He or she will help you determine the significance of what is on the reports and should be able to give you a rough idea of what it will cost to repair."
If this list made you want to learn more about how to find a fffabulous home, email Michele to attend her buyer's boot-camp. I am sure it's fffabulous!