The home of your dreams might not be something that you have a clear image of. With so many styles to choose from, many of us don't know what we actually prefer. A single story ranch, an old Victorian, a sweet cape...do you know the style of home you're attracted to?
Whatever style you may be drawn to, finding the home of your dreams can be difficult. You may feel as though every home you've viewed has something missing or just isn’t quite right. Trying to find your dream home while house hunting can make what should be a fun and exciting experience extremely stressful, but that doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you get the house of your dreams.
Whatever style you may be drawn to, finding the home of your dreams can be difficult. You may feel as though every home you've viewed has something missing or just isn’t quite right. Trying to find your dream home while house hunting can make what should be a fun and exciting experience extremely stressful, but that doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you get the house of your dreams.
Tips For Finding The Home Of Your Dreams
Create A Wish List
Creating a wish list of all of the things you would like a new home is one of the first steps you should take before house hunting. Once you have a good idea of all of the features you'd like in a home, speak to your realtor. They will be able to search for homes in your price range and with as many of the items on your list they can find. Check out this handy, downloadable wish list that you can use, free from hud.gov.
Know Your Deal Breakers
While creating a wish list of features you'd like in your home, as well as comparing neighborhoods and school districts, you should also know what some of your deal breakers are when it comes to the actual home itself. For example, a cracked foundation, flooding issues or outdated mechanicals (electric, plumbing, sewer, etc.) should be hard passes for any home buyer. Many states require a home inspection as part of the mortgage application process, and your home inspector will be able to assess any structural or mechanical issues that you should be aware of. This can will give you the opportunity to renegotiate the selling price or allow you to walk away altogether.
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Take Your Time
Buying a home is a huge commitment, and certainly one that you should take your time with. Even when you think that you have found a home that checks all the boxes, continue to shop around a bit, comparing prices, features and of course, neighborhoods. According to criteria set forth in The Fair Housing Act, your real estate agent can't really give their opinion or advice on a neighborhood, so be sure to do your own research.
Custom Build
It goes without saying that you can literally move into the house of your dreams by building to spec. Once you've done your research on similar projects in the neighborhood you're eyeing and have a good idea of your budget (and have lending in place, of course!), contact a custom home builder to discuss the design and build of your new home. Keeping in mind the features on your checklist, future needs for your home and potential resale value, your home builder will guide you through the home building process start to finish.
Buying a home is a huge commitment, and certainly one that you should take your time with. Even when you think that you have found a home that checks all the boxes, continue to shop around a bit, comparing prices, features and of course, neighborhoods. According to criteria set forth in The Fair Housing Act, your real estate agent can't really give their opinion or advice on a neighborhood, so be sure to do your own research.
Custom Build
It goes without saying that you can literally move into the house of your dreams by building to spec. Once you've done your research on similar projects in the neighborhood you're eyeing and have a good idea of your budget (and have lending in place, of course!), contact a custom home builder to discuss the design and build of your new home. Keeping in mind the features on your checklist, future needs for your home and potential resale value, your home builder will guide you through the home building process start to finish.
Have you recently purchased a new home, or build a new home from spec? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.
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