Determining your housing needs before you search will help you save lots of time and frustration, and keep you focused on the home most likely to bring you years of pleasure.
This video will help you prioritize the most important steps in searching for a home.
Once you’ve qualified for your mortgage and know what you can afford, you can then find a home which fits the way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the whole family.
Before you begin looking at homes make a list of your priorities – things like location, style, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and overall size.
Other considerations include the following:
- Should the house be close to certain schools? your job? to public transportation? amenities? hospitals? shopping? church and activities?
- How large should the house be?
- What type of lot do you prefer?
- Do you prefer an older established community, or a newer community?
- What kinds of amenities are you looking for? a swimming pool? extra large closets? a guest house? solar heating and cooling?
Establish a set of minimum requirements (your “must haves”) along with a ‘wish list.” This will move you closer to unlocking the dream of owning the perfect home.
As always, it’s a good idea to become clear on what is essential and necessary, and what is a preference or a wish.
For a great checklist to help you in your search, please visit our Homeowner’s page.
Doing a preliminary search on the Internet also may help, but at some point, you will want to take your pre-planning forward to a professional who can help you zero in on the right home in the right neighborhood.
At First Title & Abstract, Inc., our staff in the Marco Island and Naples offices are happy to guide you to find the perfect Realtor to help you in your search.
Please do not hesitate to call or email us and let us know how we can assist you in your exciting search.