Congratulations – you have just made the first choice to financial and personal well-being by buying a new home! Buying a new home is a purchase on all levels – emotional as well as intellectual. Balancing these two levels can fuel a smart home buyer with the tools to make a home buying decision that will make you happy for years. Here are some tips to help you sort out your choices to make the best decision for you.
Clear the Mechanism
We see it all the time: When new home buyers start looking at models, they easily get caught up in the oohs and aahs of looking at the fresh new homes with all the pretty colors and furniture.
In order to get past that and see what you want, make a list of your needs and wants for a new home.
Start by looking at what you like and don’t like about your current home or apartment. Or, if this is your first home, think of your parents’ or friends’ homes. Be as specific as you can to help narrow things down.
Here is an example:
I need …
- Kitchen big enough to fit our family
- Island for preparing meals and for the kids to eat a snack
- Enough cabinets and/or a pantry to store everything and keep things organized
- Large living room
- Bedroom for each of the kids
- Someplace for the kids to do homework and play games
- Someplace to work on the computer or read undisturbed
- Big backyard with a nice area to play and entertain
- Close to the train or the highway
- Good schools
I want …
- Hardwood floors
- Fireplace
- Granite countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Etc.
Now prioritize this list by placing the most important on the top, and then the next, and so on. Make a bunch of copies of the list and take them with you when you home shop at models or on the internet. Check off the items on your list as you look at homes, and use this list to evaluate your options. The home that fulfills the most of your top priorities is probably the right choice for you.
Looking for more ideas on what to look for in your new home? Browse through our gallery!