What Home is the Right Home?
How will you know when you see the house of your dreams? A common reply is always “I’ll know it when I see it!” However, if you logically analyze your needs ahead of time, you’ll be better equipped to make an educated decision when you have an emotional response to a house that you see. This section will help you determine and prioritize which characteristics are most important to you in a home.
Surely you have heard the common real estate theory that there are three things to consider when buying a house: “Location, location, location!” While there are other important factors to consider when choosing a home, answering the following questions will remind you how important location is in your decision.
Geography
- Will you be looking in urban, suburban, semi-rural or rural areas?
- Is the area sparsely populated, medium or high?
- Do you have a preference with regard to natural features like woods, hills, and lowland?
- Do you have a preference to be near water such as rivers, lakes, streams and ponds?
- How will you be commuting to work?
- How long will your commute be? Do you need to be near public transportation.
Surrounding Area
- What are the characteristics of the surrounding areas for shopping?
- Is there a central commercial district?
- Are there any shopping malls?
- Are there any supermarket shopping centers?
- Are there department stores and drug stores?
Neighborhood Focus
- What is the general appearance?
- Are the homes well maintained?
- What are the main types/styles of homes?
- Do the homes appear to be “newer” or “older”?
- How far apart are the houses?
- How well are the lawns maintained?
- Are there many visible property enhancements such as swimming pools, fences, decks and patios are extensive landscaping?
- Are vehicles primarily parked in garages and driveways, or are they parked on the street?
- Are there emergency personnel stations such as fir and police close by?
- How close is the nearest hospital?
- What are the local ordinances in regard to pets, parking, lawns, etc.?
Schools
- Are there both public and parochial schools?
- Are they equipped to handle special needs if needed?
- How do children primarily get to school?
- What is the teacher per student ratio?
- How well do students perform on standardized test scoes?
- Are there after-school activities offered?
- What types of sports programs and clubs are offered?
- What is the percentage of children that graduate?
- What is the percentage of graduating students that go onto college?
Work Issues
- How long will your commute be?
- How many methods can you use to get there, such as walking, driving, car pool, tax bus route, or train?
Recreation and Entertainment
- What forms of entertainment are offered?
- What types of indoor and outdoor sports facilities are available?
- Are there public parks, country clubs, and/or sports teams close by?
Community Involvement
- Do the neighbors socialize regularly? Do they hold block parties or picnics?
- Is there a Home Owner’s Association? How active are they in the community?
- Is there a PTA?
- Is there a Neighborhood Watch program in place?
Find out the answer to each of these questions, and then determine which items are important to you and which you can live without.
Finding the perfect house!
Once you’ve evaluated your priorities, it’s time to hit the streets with your search criteria. If you’ve done your preparation to get to this point, the actual physical search for your home can be short and sweet.
Here’s the process we follow to find the homes that meet your guidelines:
The first thing we will do is put the given statistics into your computer. Within a few minutes with the aide of MLS (Multiple Listing Service) we will be able to print out a listing of the houses that match the desired profile.
When we determine which properties you actually want to view, in keeping with our plans, be sure to bring a small notebook so you can make a record of critical details for each of the homes we visit.
For each house you visit that appeals to you, make sure to obtain the answers to the following questions:
General
- Is the asking price comparable to other houses in the neighborhood? If not, is it higher or lower?
- Is the existing mortgage assumable?
- What is required down payment amount?
- What are the annual property taxes?
- Will the taxes increase with the transfer of deed and a new market price?
Outside
- What is the address of property?
- Is the yard size suitable?
- Are there landscape details?
- What is the level of grounds maintenance that will be required?
- What is the age of the home, and does it look it?
- What is the structural condition?
- Are any visible major repairs or improvements that should be made?
Inside
(Make a sketch of floor plan)
- What is the total number of rooms and baths on each floor?
- Are there extra features such as an intercom, security system, central air, or multiple fireplaces?
- Are the appliances built in?
- Is there adequate insulation?
- Is there weather stripping or storm windows?
Major systems
- What is the age/condition of each major system (plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling)?
- What type of fuel is the home heated with?
- What is the average monthly utility cost?
Do not be surprised if the perfect house is the first one you visit. On the other hand, do not be disappointed if, after looking at a dozen houses, you still have not found the right one for you. We will keep looking until we find the house that you want to call home!