Dream Home Vs Affordable Home!
Most of us have a dream home that we imagined ourselves living in when we were children. Some stay true today, but lets be real… do these dream homes exist in our currently reality? They might but do the exist in OUR reality? Everyone wants a big beautiful home that is completely move in ready and spotless. I say this just to say consider making a list of what you absolutely will not waiver on and things that are NOT deal breakers when searching for a home.
You want to consider that hey I got approved for “this” amount of money, I probably need to reconsider that 8 bedroom mini mansion that I always dreamed about and maybe look at a 4 bedroom colonial or the 3 bedroom raised ranch with options to create more rooms or living space in the lower level. Or maybe could you live with having 2 fireplaces instead of 4.
Also consider features that could be added later after you’ve purchased like an additional bathroom, or a deck in the backyard. This will help keep your purchase cost down and add value to your home later if you decide to sell it down the line.
Of course there are some things that you cannot waiver on, like living space, location, overall condition of the bones of the home. Personally for me, I spend a lot of time in my kitchen so my kitchen space was really important to me. But a rule of thumb is just to create a logical list of things that you absolutely MUST have, another list that you would love to have but DON’T NEED, and also a list of deal breakers, and that could be if it has or doesn’t have.
As a homeowner, home projects are never ending. Once you finish one project you’ll start another. Sometimes you’ll have several projects going at once. Cosmetic challenges in homes sometimes deter buyers and scare them away. A lot of times if the home isn’t vacant the sellers clutter can also cause doubt. But you have to look past those minor things. When you purchase the home that sellers items will no longer be there to cause you anxiety. That ugly pink wallpaper can be removed and walls painted a color that screams YOU! Those cabinets can be replaced and that counter updated to the granite you loved. If you purchase the home at a great price you can put the excess money that you saved back onto your home in updates. Obviously theres somethings that can be negotiated to be fixed if its major, but don’t sweat the small things. In the end, a little paint and cleaning goes long way.
Long story short, take the time and really consider the home that you can afford and checks MOST of the boxes on your list. You should also search home with these features in the areas you are interested in on websites just to give yourself an idea on cost and availability. Some features just aren’t common and you may find that you won’t find ALL the things your are looking for, or maybe something you didn’t consider having but now want. Then you can go back and adjust your wish list according.
Also, make as informed decisions as possible. Thats where I come in to educate and guide. Ultimately, you have to make the decision in the end. But I help you consider as many possibilities and scenarios as possible. Once you decide to sign on that signature line, I want you to be absolutely sure, happy, and excited! Thats when I know I’ve done my job.
Any realtor can find a house and submit an offer, but only a great one will always have your best interest at heart and not let you make uneducated decisions, just because it’ll result in a sale either way. Thats why I strive to be a Realtor that goes above and beyond for ALL of my clients. Chose the right Realtor the first time!