You know what you can afford and you’ve been pre-approved. So far so good. Now begins the hunt for your perfect house, your “dream” home. But here is where it gets a bit tricky. What does your dream home look like? 2,000 square feet or 4,500 square feet? One-story or two?
Before you start taking laps around the open house circuit, begin by making a list of your wants and needs (those are two different things by the way!). For instance, you may want a corner lot but you could probably live without it. You may want an eat-in kitchen but, hey, that’s what coffee tables are for.
Keep in mind that as you learn more about the housing options available to you, your list of wants and needs may change a bit. Being in a certain school district might start out as a priority but, once you see the size of the homes you can get in your price range, you may find that a different school district will work just fine (kids are resilient right?). Unless your budget is unlimited you are probably going to have to make concessions along the way.
Here is a list of questions that will help you in creating your personal list of housing “musts.”
:: What is your price range?
:: Do you want to live in a specific neighborhood or city?
:: Do you want to live within a specific school district?
:: Do you want easy access to highways?
:: Does your neighborhood have to have sidewalks?
:: Do you want to live in a gated community?
:: One-story? Two-story? Townhouse? Condo?
:: Do you love a particular architectural style? Colonial? Craftsman? Contemporary?
:: Do you want a new home (less than 5 years old) or an older home?
:: Are you willing to do a little remodeling? A lot? No renovation?
:: How many bedrooms do you need?
:: How many bathrooms do you want?
:: What is the minimum/maximum square footage you’ll consider?
:: Do you want a fenced yard?
Using the list below, it would also be a good idea to take a few minutes and rank each of these home qualities as “gotta have it,” “like to have it” or “doesn’t matter.” Identifying your priorities, and seeing them on paper, will help you recognize the perfect home when it’s right in front of you.
:: Air conditioning: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Hardwood floors: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Wall-to-wall carpet: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Tile floors: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Formal dining room: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Gourmet kitchen: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Eat-in kitchen: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Gas stove: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Grand entry: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Open floor plan: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Formal dining room: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Family room: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Separate den: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Home office: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Finished basement: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Separate laundry area: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Master suite: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Two sinks master bath: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Walk-in closets: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Fireplace(s): Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Large yard (1 acre +): Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Small yard: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Fenced yard: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Garden space: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Garage (3 bays or more): Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Garage (1 or 2 bays): Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Patio or deck: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Front porch: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Shed: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Workshop: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Pool: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: Spa: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
:: View: Gotta Have It | Like to Have It | Doesn’t Matter
Happy hunting!
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Bowie MD Real Estate – “Special” Ed Haraway, Broker, is your local Real Estate Expert for Bowie Maryland & surrounding areas. You now have free access to the Bowie, MD, Real Estate Search Engine. Google or Call Today & let’s discuss how I can Treat You Special. “Special” Ed Haraway 240-375-2871
