Buying a Home that Fits Your Lifestyle

Buying a Home that Fits Your Lifestyle

Deciding which house to buy might seem like the easiest thing in the world. After all, who knows you better than you? You know exactly what you want, right? Well, sometimes reality is a bit more complex. Most people have a general idea of what they want—a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen of a certain size, and perhaps a yard. However, things become murkier when you factor in neighborhoods, schools, commutes to work, and proximity to amenities like ball fields and retail shops.

Tools to Help You Choose

Fortunately, we have the tools you need to select the right property for everyone in your household—even if you live alone. Our computerized maps overlay school districts, commuter highways, and other features. With just a click, we can show you homes for sale in the areas you’re interested in.

Prioritizing Your Needs

To narrow down your search effectively, we recommend the following steps:

1. Individual Lists: Have everyone who will live in the new home make a list of their must-haves, nice-to-haves, and optional features. Yes, even the kids should contribute! Involving them makes the moving process smoother.

2. Combine and Prioritize: Merge these individual lists into a single master list. Prioritize the items—separate the “must-haves” from the “optionals.”

3. Share Your Priorities: Provide us with a copy of your prioritized list. We’ll use it to find houses that match your needs.

Targeting Your Perfect Home

Consider the following factors:

1. Style: What architectural style appeals to you? Is it a two-story, contemporary, ranch, or something else?

2. Home Features: List your priorities—whether it’s a two- or three-car garage, a gourmet kitchen, or any other specific features.

3. Lifestyle: Think about how you live. Do you entertain frequently? Is your home the gathering place for neighborhood kids? Do you dislike yard work?

Identifying the Right Neighborhood

When exploring neighborhoods:

1. Drive Around: Observe other well-maintained properties. Value tends to be higher in such areas. Be cautious of neighborhoods with unkempt yards, mixed residential and commercial spaces, and businesses.

2. Property Tax Assessment: Inquire about property tax assessments, including any special assessments or pending bond issues.

3. Zoning and Regulations: Good residential communities are zoned to exclude commercial and industrial use. Ask about other regulations, such as on-street parking. Check if the area is governed by any covenants.

4. Talk to Residents: Get a sense of the neighborhood’s character by speaking with people who live there.

Professional Insight

Occasionally, we may show you something slightly different from your list. Our professional experience and intuition about your family’s needs often lead us to surprising choices—the homes our clients ultimately buy.

Remember, finding the perfect home isn’t just about square footage; it’s about creating a lifestyle that suits you. Happy house hunting! ?