Finding the “perfect” house for sale is a matter of knowing what you want. And the more specific you can be, the better your chance of success. Your real estate agent is a great resource to discuss the following points. Talking through them will help you focus your search for condos and homes.
Where do you want to live? Perhaps you wish to be close to your place of employment so your daily commute is quick. Maybe it’s important for you to be near your parents or in-laws, if you have young children. We have many choices: urban, suburban, rural, etc. Realtors traditionally say that there are three factors to finding the “right” home: “Location, location, and location!” The important point to remember, though, is that I want to help you find your “right location”.
Are there certain features in a home that you must have? For instance, if you’re a gourmet cook, you’ll need a large kitchen. If you have children, you’ll need extra bedrooms, and perhaps yard space. Perhaps there are features you would like in a home, but are not necessarily critical, like a fireplace or a finished basement. I’ve prepared a handy tool called a “Home Wish List” to help you sort through your preferences for home features.
Do you like the neighborhood you’re considering? How much do you know about it? A healthy, vibrant local industry is critical to maintaining property values, as are good schools. It’s a good idea to scan several month’s worth of headlines from the neighborhood’s local newspaper. You can also go online to check out the area’s demographics, crime rates, etc. The local Chamber of Commerce is also a great resource for useful information. They usually provide free resource packets for visitors. Make sure to learn the health of the area you’re considering.
It’s important to work with a local realtor who is very familiar with the area. This will save you hours of search time, as she will already know about all the properties for sale. Consider interviewing several realtors. You can find names online or in the local phone book. You’ll be sharing personal information with your realtor, so you’ll need to feel comfortable with her.
Can you visit the neighborhood? While it’s a good idea to search online for homes that are for sale in the neighborhood, it’s an even better idea to visit the neighborhood in person. There’s nothing like slowly driving by a house for sale and seeing it in the context of everything around it. It’ll give you a “feel” for the place that online pictures just can’t.
Have you spoken with a Loan Officer about pre-approval for a mortgage? The pre-approval process saves you a lot of time and helps you narrow your search. Your loan officer will give you a pre-approval letter that identifies the price range of homes you can afford. It’s also an important tool to have on-hand to show a seller that you’re a serious buyer.
Ready to find out what is the right house for you? Consider the points above as you start your search, and you’ll be sure to know it when you see it.
Author Susanne Novak is a full time Columbus real estate agent specializing in helping home owners buy properties at discounted prices. Her blog shows how to find and buy the best Columbus OH Homes for Sale.