Taking an honest look at what kind of home is best for you and your family can save you a lot of time and money when you begin the hunt for a new home. Many factors can help you determine the type of home to purchase but focusing on a few key areas will help you narrow down your options before you begin working with a real estate agent. Knowing exactly what you want prior to contacting your agent will make the process easier for both you and your realtor. 

Your finances

While this may seem like a given, it is not unusual for first-time home buyers to desire their dream home even if it is out of their affordable price range. This is never a good idea and will lead to regrets later. Take an honest look at your finances and be realistic about what you can afford prior to beginning your search.

Purchasing a home you can truly afford should have several advantages. Starter homes are more affordable and will allow you to save for a future dream home. You will also be building equity in your present home as you look forward to one day purchasing a permanent home.

Room count versus square footage

It is natural to think in terms of the number of rooms when purchasing a home, but considering square footage is often a better indicator of space. A larger area allows more flexibility for remodeling the home and makes your home more customizable. More square footage makes it easier to get creative with space in the future as your needs change.

Short- and long-term needs

Most homeowners purchase a first home based on proximity to work, school, or their favorite shopping centers, etc. All these factors may change in a few years. Taking a look at your current needs versus your longer-term needs can be helpful when you are choosing a location for your home.

It is always an exciting time when you are ready to take a step into home ownership. However, as exciting as it can be, it can also be a very stressful time when you are trying to determine which home is best for you and your family. Following a few tips will help you tackle home ownership like a pro and your real estate agent will appreciate the fact that you know exactly what you want when you start the home buying process.

Reach out to a local real estate agency to learn more.

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