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Real Estate 101: Six Tips To Help You Find Your Dream Home

Written by  //  2014/09/24  //  Home Buying Steps  //  No comments

Finding your dream home can be frustrating, especially if factors such as the school district, floor plan and nearby amenities are non-negotiable. However, there are steps you can take to make the process easier. Here are six tips for finding the perfect house for you and your family.

Discover your price range first

Before you look at a single house, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. Getting a pre-approval from your bank can make closing go smoothly, as well as give you a head-start if you need to snap up a house quickly before others make their move. Be sure to not look at houses that are well over budget, where even negotiating won’t get you where you want.

Get a great real estate agent on your team

A good real estate agent can make all the difference in finding and negotiating a fair price for your dream home. He or she will keep on top of the listings and make sure you see houses that fit your criteria, not just homes that pay a high commission.

Pick your priorities

An enormous two-person tub sounds fun, until the first time you have to wait an hour for it to fill and then spend another hour wiping it clean afterwards. The same goes for pools, intricate plantings, white carpeting throughout and football-field sized yards. The upkeep can be brutal in both time and expense. While you may have a strong desire to have something like this, make sure you are willing to keep up with the responsibilities, and decide what’s most important for you to have in your home.

Think about home improvements

Unless you are violently opposed to doing improvements to your new home, why not consider adding on that observatory or garage you want right after the sale? Seeing potential in a property can take a practiced eye, so don’t be afraid to ask your real estate agent to show you houses that have the ability to become your perfect home. Home improvements are a great way to customize a house you love.

Do your research about the community

If you are concerned about the school district and it’s non-negotiable, don’t just accept what the house listing says. Check with the school to make absolutely sure any prospective property you’re looking at is within their jurisdiction. This is especially important if the house is right near a border of two districts. Consider how close the home is to stores that you go to often, and what types of events happen in the community. It’s important to feel comfortable not only in your new home but the community.

Be open to new ideas

If you’ve always wanted a formal dining room, can you make that house with the huge eat-in kitchen work? If you work from home and need a home office, why not consider using the climate-controlled sun porch? Don’t let yourself get mired in how you are supposed to use the space in a house. Be open to new ideas and small changes to have it better fit your needs.

Finding your dream home can be a tough process. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the right property at the right price.

Informational credit to Joe Manausa Real Estate.

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