With digital technology making it so easy to shop for homes online, it is really important to know what you’re looking for when you start your home search.
If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, you probably have a list of features that you’d LOVE to have in your new place. Many new homebuyers fantasize about the ones that they see on television or Pinterest, and start looking at the countless homes listed for sale with rose-colored glasses. But do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen in order to be happy with your home choice?
We know the signs of a perfect match. Here’s how to find the perfect home for you:
How to Divide Your Favorite Features into What’s Most Important
When you’re ready to get serious about your home search, the first step is to list all the features that you would like in your home. Then, qualify them. Only after that will you be able to narrow your home search to find “the One”!
Here’s how you should divide all your desired home features:
“MUST-HAVES” – These are your most important physical features or qualities. If a property does not have these items, then it should not be considered. Examples:
Distance from work or family
Number of bedrooms or bathrooms
Within a certain price range
“SHOULD-HAVES” – You would love all of these features or qualities, but they’re not dealbreakers. If the property hits all of the “must-haves” and some of the “should-haves,” it stays in contention. Examples:
Outdoor entertainment area
Green-certified features
FROG or finished basement
“WISH LIST” – Unless it’s absolutely your dealbreaker, this is where your farmhouse sink belongs. If you find a property in your budget with all of the “must-haves,” most of the “should-haves,” and any of these—it’s a winner! Examples:
Farmhouse sink in the kitchen
Loft with built-in shelving
Existing solar panel setup
How to Know You’ve Found “The One”!
Use the criteria above to help guide your home search on EXP Realty. Use your “must-haves” to create a custom search and save it to your My Account. As you review homes that match your individual qualifications, consider how they make you feel.
Here are the Signs You’ve Found Your Perfect Home:
You’d be Upset if it was Gone Tomorrow – Finding a good home is a great feeling. But it’s not as great as finding “the One!” Beware of fly-by-night love affairs.
You Get the Butterflies – Do you wake up thinking about this home? Do you daydream about it at work and catch yourself planning a future together? That’s a good sign.
You Feel Pride in the House – When you walk into the home, can you imagine how great your housewarming party will be? Are you even excited about inviting the in-laws? That’s big!
You can Imagine it with Your Touches – It’s one thing to love the way a home is staged. But if you think it would look even better with your art on the wall, that could be your sign.
You Forgive Flaws – Remember that boyfriend who snored, but you loved him anyway? A couple flaws aren’t bad, as long as they’re not big enough to be deal breakers.
It doesn’t Have Your Deal Breakers – There’s at least one home feature everyone has said they’ll never want to live with ever again. Don’t forget to ask about that one.
You can Afford it – The perfect home isn’t the perfect home if you have to work four jobs to afford it. Find a home where you can kick back and relax on the weekends.
How to Get Started on Your Search
A successful real estate buying experience is dependent upon a proactive relationship with your EXP agent. Be ready to answer the questions posed above. There simply is no better way to learn about your needs and priorities.
All real estate is local. In order to make confident real estate decisions, we believe it is important for you to have timely and neighborhood-specific information. If you would like more information about buying a home in NC, our experts at EXP Realty are here to help. Contact us today to speak with a EXP agent about buying homes or land in North Carolina.
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