Finding the Right Home

The real estate market continues to be tough for buyers as demand is high yet the number of homes for sale remains low. That might make it feel like it will be difficult to impossible to find a home that meets all your needs. Fortunately, if you get very clear about what it is exactly you are looking for in a home, your chances of finding that home will improve dramatically. So how do you go about finding the right home for you? Here’s our best advice.

Know your deal-breakers

The most important thing you can do when you’re searching for your next home is to know what you absolutely need to have. These are your deal-breakers – those amenities that are a must if you’re going to put in an offer on a home. Some of the most popular must-haves might include:

• Being located in a specific school district.
• Having a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms.
• Having space for a private home office.
• Living close to friends or family.
• Being located close to work.

Know those things that would be nice to have

Once you’ve determined your deal-breakers, it’s time to consider those features that it would be nice to have in your home. These are the kinds of amenities that would make life at home more pleasant. But if a home you like doesn’t have some of these features, it wouldn’t necessarily prevent you from making an offer. Some of the things that it might be nice to have in a home could include:

• A backyard pool to keep the kids busy on summer afternoons.
• Close proximity to local attractions or amenities such as restaurants or grocery stores.
• A finished basement that can be used as a family area.
• A wood-burning fireplace, a luxury master bathroom, or an exceptional view.

Don’t be afraid to dream

Once you’ve got your must-haves and your nice-to-haves, it’s time to let yourself dream a little. What does your fantasy home look like? What types of luxuries would you enjoy having at home? If you could have anything at all, then what would it be? This could include things like:

• A basement wine cellar.
• A home theater or media room.
• A tennis court or basketball court.
• Huge, walk-in closets.
• A crafting room.
• A home library.
• A steam shower or sauna.

You can talk to your contractors and designers to add bathroom mirrors, custom cabinets, and more. It’s up to you what you want.

Talk to your real estate agent

Finally, once you’ve made your lists, it’s time to talk to your trusted real estate agent. When you work with a professional, you can rely on their experience and knowledge to help guide you through the process. They will make note of your needs, wants – and dreams – to help you find homes that best fit those desires. They’ll use all the tools at their disposal, including their vast network of connections, to pair you with homes that could fit the bill. Once you’ve found the home you love, they’ll work with you to make an offer and help you through every step of the closing process.