Your first-stop home buying guide.

Purchasing a new property, whether it’s your first house or a vacation-style second home (or anything in between!), can be quite a cumbersome process. There are many things you can do to make the journey easier: most importantly, hire a credentialed Realtor to be by your side throughout the process (here are 184 reasons why that is a good idea); secondly, be prepared. Use the following guide to narrow down what you want out of your next property so we can find the right one for you without either of us losing our minds. 😉

Question #1: WHY?

• Why do I want to purchase now?
• Why do I prefer a single-family home or a condo?
• Why do I prefer the locations to which I’m drawn?

These questions help us get at the heart of what is important to you. Are you purchasing for pleasure or to be closer to work? What attributes make a house feel like “home” to you? Narrowing down the “whys” help me as your Realtor find the perfect home, location, and lifestyle for you in your new area.

Question #2: WHAT?

• What kind of space do I need in my new home?
• What amenities do I need to reside near?
• What amenities do I require of my home and community?
• In what condition do I want the house in? Am I willing to do major repairs after purchase or do I need it move-in ready?

These questions allow us to put some concrete ideas in place with regards to your specific needs and desires. Do you have kids or live-in relatives who need space accommodations? Do you entertain frequently? How do you like to use the space in your home and what has been missing in your current residence that is encouraging you to move now? Let’s work together to find the aspects that are most important to you in your next home.

Question #3: WHEN?

• When do I want to move?
• What is driving my timeline?
• When are necessary deadlines to achieve the move date goal?

For some people, the minute they make a decision to move, they would like to find a new place and be there tomorrow. Others need time to mull over the decision. Some don’t need to move, they just want to move. The urgency of your timeframe is important. Are we working around kids starting school or a family member starting a job? If not, there is more flexibility to take more time to choose and/or watch the prices shift in the market.

Question #4: WHERE?

• Where do I think I want to live?
• What do I require nearby my home?
• Where does my budget allow me to purchase?

If you are buying from out of town, take the time to drive the places in which you have interest. Getting the feel of what a community is actually like is very important! When you have figured out what kind of community feels right to you, I will help you find one that is within a realistic budget.

Question #5: WHO?

In addition to the buyers and the sellers, many parties are involved in getting you to the finish line, including:

• Realtor(s)
• Mortgage broker
• Title company
• Inspectors
• Insurers

If you are do not have contacts you’d prefer to use in these areas, a certified Realtor such as myself will be able to point you in the right direction. Being in this industry as a career means we have trusted contacts in all housing-related areas that we are happy to recommend to you should you need it.

Question #6: HOW? and HOW MUCH?

• How am I planning to execute this move?
• Will I need a loan?
• How does my budget limit/expand my options?

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the Buying Guide from Michael Saunders is a great place to start. It outlines the entire process, from interest in moving to the closing table, and all the parties involved in making a property sale happen for you. A necessary player in most home-buying equations is a mortgage broker. Unless you are planning on paying cash for a property, you will need to work with a mortgage broker to help determine budget and how much will be needed for a down payment.

Now we’re ready.

Now that we’ve gone through some important questions, we’ll both have a better idea what your priorities are in your next home. Your priorities and budget allow me to query homes for you in a very specific way, so we don’t waste time looking at a home that don’t match your criteria. Clarifying your wants and needs early will shorten the overall process and get you where you need to be exactly when you need to be there. Please give me a call today if I can help you begin your journey to your next property!