When building or buying a home, it helps to decide just exactly what you NEED and what you WANT. Once you have a price in mind, then start looking. If you do it the other way around, you can end up falling in love with a house that you can’t afford and none in your price range will compare.
Location, Location, Location
Don’t you wonder why people always ask about location first? Well, it is the one thing you cannot change about the house after you buy it. However, there are things besides the neighborhood that you need to consider. Things like lot size — do you really want 5 acres, or is it worth it to be that far from nosy neighbors.
Dinner anyone?
Think about your lifestyle in relationship to the kitchen and dining room. Do you actually cook? Do you need a full gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances? Do you need room in the kitchen for eating in — or will you always use the dining room?
What’s on TV tonight?
Do you need separate living and family rooms? In some states like Florida and California lifestyles are pretty relaxed all around and rarely do we find that we need a formal living room. Many family rooms need to be large enough to accommodate computer stations as well as the entertainment center, complete with video games and surround sound.
Night, Night, Sleep Tight
The think that really draws the attention of a home buyer is the master suite. Think about the size of your furniture. Do you need extra room for a crib? Do you need a separate sitting area or study? Separate walk-in closets for you and your spouse?
Where’s my room?
Do you need more bedrooms? One for each kid or guest? Do they each need their own bathroom, or can they share? Where are these rooms in relation to the master suite? Is there a room dedicated to an office or gym?
Where are we going to put that?
Think about how much and where you need to have storage. Under the rafters tends to be very warm in the summer and cold in the winter — not the greatest place for temperature sensitive items, or things you need to access frequently.
Where are my clean socks?
Would it be better to keep the washer and dryer stashed in an upstairs closet or have a laundry production room (complete with built-in ironing board and laundry chute) that the kids pass through on their way in from the pool?
Once you have a prioritized list, share it with your consultant. This will help them find you a house that really suits your needs. If after seeing a few homes you find that something moves up or down the list in terms of priority, make sure you tell your agent. They want to help you find what you need and want. Having gone through the list — you’re well on your way to finding your new dream home.
To learn more helpful tips or to find out more about what CENTURY 21 Semiao & Associates can do for you, Contact Us.
