 
Get ready, get set, GO - begin your home search! Wait - Stop! Are you sure you
know where to begin, or what type of home you need, or where you want to live?
Before rushing in and buying the first home you see, you need to do some homework.
Thoughtful preparation in the beginning of your home search will help you find
the home of your dreams that also fits your family's unique needs. The key is
to stay organized and focused on the ultimate goal of finding your ideal home.
Here are a few simple tips to help you pick the perfect place:
- Make a checklist. Before walking into
a single home, determine what your family truly needs in
a new home. Prioritize your list and decide what features
are a must have and what amenities can be sacrificed. Thinking
about the positives and negatives of your current home is
a great way to start your list.
- Obtain a mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approval
will give you a sense of what you can afford to spend on
your new home. You will also have a realistic idea of the
price range of homes you should be visiting and eventually
purchasing. Plus, having a pre-approval will demonstrate
that you are a serious buyer to sellers.
- Location, location, location. Location
is crucial when searching for your home. Only you can decide
which location is best for you. A few considerations include:
How far do you want to commute to your job? Are the community
schools highly rated? Do you require nearby neighborhood
services such as public transportation, shopping and senior
resources? You should also think about the location's impact
on the resale value of the property if you are anticipating
selling in the next few years.
- Get on the Web. One of the best ways
to start your home search is on the Internet. On Web sites
such as ColdwellBankerOnline.com you can search for properties,
determine mortgage payments, research communities and so
much more from the comfort of your own home.
- Seek professional help. Realtors are
experts in the real estate industry and can help you with
everything from gathering community information to taking
a home tour to finding moving services. There is no one better
who can help you find the home of your dreams. Plus, Realtors
can greatly reduce the amount of pressure you feel during
this stressful time.
- Take notes. While touring homes, write
down a few notes about things you particularly like in the
home and others that you may not. This way, when you evaluate
the homes you have visited, you will have the pros and cons
of each.
- Bring along a camera. We all know a
picture is worth a thousand words. Snapping some photos
of the houses you see while on a home tour will give you
a visual to jog your memory at the end of the day. Just remember
to jot down which photos go with which notes.
- Have a friend tag along. Having another
pair of eyes while visiting potential homes can help you
notice the strengths and weaknesses of a property, and if
nothing else, can deter you from making hasty decisions.
- Take a time out. Reserve some time for
yourself and your family as you go through the buying process.
Planning activities that will take your mind away from the
stress will help both you and your family manage the transition.
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