Finding Your Dream Home

Finding your dream home is a lot like finding the perfect partner.  It might take a while, but when you find the one, you'll know you'll always have the support of someone who just gets you.  And when you find your dream home, you'll always have the perfect place to unwind and make memories.

Thankfully, finding the perfect home is a lot easier than finding the perfect partner.  A bit of planning and some legwork can get you into the home that fits you.  No blind dates needed! 

As I was out showing property this past few days to a young couple, first time homebuyers wanting to purchase their first home.  I was again reminded that there is no perfect home.  All homes have flaws.  Some you can deal with' others are deal breakers.  I was also reminded that, like this couple, the more realistic buyers understand the need for compromise.

A willingness to consider both the positive and negative features of a home and weigh their relative importance is essential.  When looking for a home in any price range, even where the most magnificent properties are concerned, I can guarantee you that there will be something about each one that you will find less than ideal.  Like some hideous wallpaper in the home.  

So as a homebuyer, you are going to have to settle.  The key is to know which imperfections are mere nuisances and which are fatal flaws.  So it is critical to make sure that you aren't sweating the small stuff, you are recognizing the truly important things.  Unless you get really lucky, the homes you view probably won't have every single thing on your wish list.  In fact, the house might have a few things you don't like.  But that doesn't mean it can't become your perfect home. 

The key is looking past the exterior cosmetic blemishes to the home's bones.  Linoleum floors, a shade of paint you hate in the bedroom, or some kitchen cabinets that need updating are all things you can upgrade to fit your style.

So look for a well-built home that has the space you need, some features you love, a layout that serves your lifestyle and a price point that allows you to make some changes.  With a little TLC, this will be the home you will grow to love.

LOOK - AND LOOK AGAIN

Once you think you've found a home you want to make an offer on, take a second look.  Both a home and a neighborhood can look completely different at different times of the day.  For example, you might have viewed on a weekday morning when all was quiet only to find the neighborhood is too loud at night.

To get a good idea of what you're getting into, view the home at least twice, preferably at two different times of day - for example, on a weekday morning and then again on a weekend evening.

Get a Home Inspection

No matter what the condition of the home looks like, avoid any potential unpleasant surprises later and get a home inspection by a licensed home inspector.  A good home inspector can tell you everything from the age of the roof to potential problems you might have with the water heater, air conditioner, plumbing, etc. down the line.

Stay Flexible

In a relationship, the perfect partner you imagined might not be who you end up with - and that can be a good thing.  The same goes for finding your perfect home.  You may be in love with a certain type of architecture or having a big porch, but you don't want to get too fixated on it and overlook the otherwise perfect house that's missing that one particular feature.  Stay flexible, be willing to compromise, and you'll be sure to find your dream home.

 

A home can be categorized as either "important" or not so important."  The key is in making the distinction.

Important:

  • Location.  While I can't tell you what neighborhood is right for you any more than I can tell you what color it should be, you need to be very clear on this point in your mind.  You can fix and remodel a lot of things, but you can't move the house.

 

  • Structural integrity:  If you lay a marble in the middle of the living room or any other room floor, does it reach warp speed before hitting the far wall?  You might have a slab issue.  Is it raining both outside and inside?  It could be that the roof needs replacing.  This is what we call in the industry "deal killer

 

  • Room count:  You need a four-bedroom home but the two-bedroom home is so darn cute and perfect in every other way.  If you find yourself suggesting to your spouse that the twin's bunk bed would fit nicely in the garage, keep looking.

 

  • Anything in the health and safety category:  Some health and safety issues need to be addressed.  For instance, (GFCI) outlets, black mold that can be toxic.  There is more, this is just a few examples of the considerations you may face when looking or having an inspection done.  Just remember there is no perfect home.  It would be foolish to overlook some of these issues.

Not so Important:

  • Paint, carpet and cleanliness.  These are the easy things, but they are the things many buyers have the most diffuculty looking past.  If the home needs a thorough cleaning, hire someone.  Soiled carpet or a Harvest Gold or green carpet can be easily remedied, as is a flat out ugly paint.  Even if you are on a very restricted budget, these minor deficiencies can be remedied over time.  In these cases, you should be most concerned that the bigger items have been addressed.

 

  • Landscaping.  You may love and want lots of trees, they can be planted, or the lawn is dead.  You can use your imagination and have the beautiful curb appeal that you can designed.

 

  • Room size.  It might sound crazy to suggest that room size is not a big deal, but let the 10 year old furniture that doesn't quite fit in the master bedroom stop them buying a six-figure home purchase decision.   Perhaps it's time to right-size your belongings.