Where Do You Want To Live?
For some homebuyers this is an easy question, and for others this is like finding a needle in the hay stack. With many diverse neighborhoods, cities and towns in the greater Boston area; for those relocating the options are many. If possible, I recommend your home search be narrowed to 3 most preferred locations. Searching more than 3 cities or towns can be overwhelming and a challenge to compare everything “apples” to “apples”. Need help narrowing the search? See “Neighborhood Research Tips” for helpful hints on interviewing a new neighborhood.
What Does Your New Home Look Like?
Can you picture your new home? Can you describe what it looks like or what the neighborhood looks like? Many times we focus on the inside of the home but forget to start with the outside! There are many types of residential properties such as Condominium, Single Family and Multi-Family as well as many styles from which to choose such as Colonial, Victorian, Ranch, Split Ranch, Bungalow, etc. As for interior it is very helpful to know the minimum number of bedrooms, bathrooms and shared living spaces you will need as that will determine price range and affordability within your top preferred locations.
How Does Your New Home Feel?
Not everyone has an emotional attachment to “home”; but for those who do – they will know the minute they walk in the front door that they have found THE place to call their new home. Thinking about how your new home will feel can help you make decisions about floor plan and living area space and the flow of the rooms within the house. Do you prefer an open floor plan? Are you looking for a “great room” where everyone can be together enjoying different tasks within one open space? Are you looking for a loft, or do you prefer historic properties with pocket doors and built-in china cabinets? Old, new, contemporary or classic there are many choices for finding the right property that feels like home.
When Do You Want To Move?
Just as Brides-to-be get caught up in the wedding planning; sometimes homebuyers forget that their home search will lead to a physical move. Are you ready to move? Are you ready to change your daily commute to and from work or school and are you ready to change many of the daily services you have come to rely upon? Shifting daily routines can be stressful; especially with younger family members so it is never too early to plan ahead for all of the daily habits that will be changed.
Who Will Make The Final Decision?
For single homebuyers this is not a factor; but for couples and families it is helpful to talk about the decision-making process before the home search begins. Who will make the final decision if a compromise cannot be reached?
Once you have a good idea about your new home type, style, look and feel and you are ready to make the physical move; the more prepared you will be to preview many homes without feeling overwhelmed during the search process.
Would you like more help answering these questions? Call me for a Home Search consultation!
