How to Find the Right Home
Finding the right house is a crucial step in your home buying journey. While it’s easy to get caught up in the search for the perfect home, remember that there’s rarely such thing as a perfect house. You may have to sacrifice some of your wants to get your needs. Here are some tips on how to find the right home.
When searching for your ideal home, prioritize the neighborhood over the house itself. A perfect house in an undesirable area likely won’t make you happy, while a nice (albeit not perfect) house in a fantastic neighborhood often leads to true satisfaction.
Here are some things to consider when searching for neighborhoods:
- Traffic levels on nearby roads
- Proximity to work, shopping, and desired entertainment
- Local schools
- Potential noise factors (trains, large dogs, highways, etc.)
- Overall atmosphere and community vibe
Once you’ve identified promising neighborhoods, invest time in getting to know them:
- Drive through at different times of day and night. Some areas may be quiet during the day but noisy at night.
- Test your potential commute at various times to make sure it’s manageable.
- Contact sellers of houses in the area to get a feel for the local market.
- Look for For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties, which might offer better deals.
Buying or selling a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property can lead to significant savings. As a buyer, you might get a better price since the seller isn’t paying realtor fees. If the seller isn’t offering a discounted price, don’t hesitate to negotiate. On a $200,000 house, avoiding a 6% realtor fee could save $12,000. Use the calculator here to test it out.
Finding the right house is a balance of patience, research, and rational decision-making. By prioritizing the neighborhood, thoroughly investigating your options, leveraging online resources, and taking your time with the process, you’re more likely to find a home that brings lasting satisfaction. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but finding a place that feels right for you and meets your most important needs and preferences.
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