How to Find the Home that's Right for You

For most homebuyers, finding the right property to buy is often the most difficult step of the home buying process – more difficult than saving for a down payment or getting a mortgage.  Before you start your search, consider these four important factors.

1.     How much house can you afford?  Knowing what you can afford will help you narrow your search to homes within your budget.  The basic rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross annual income should be applied to your mortgage, insurance and property taxes.

a.       Get pre-approved for a mortgage to help you define your price range.

b.       Make a list of expenses you’ll have when you become a homeowner, including homeowners’ association fees, property taxes and private mortgage insurance.

c.        Factor in costs associated with continued upkeep and maintenance.

2.     What type of home do you want?  What features make up the ideal home for you and your family?  How many bedrooms and bathrooms should it have?  Do you want a pool?  Do you want a detached home with a big yard or a condo with a patio?  Conversely, what features would eliminate a home from your list of prospects?  Knowing what you want, and don’t want, will help you focus your search on homes that fit your needs. 

Top Reasons for Purchasing a Home

a.       To stop renting

b.       Previous residence no longer meeting needs

c.        To upsize from previous residence

d.       To build equity/appreciation/growth

e.       Pride of ownership

3.     Location, location, location!  Choosing real estate is more than whether you want to live in the city, in the suburbs or away from it all in a rural area.  Your neighbourhood matters.  Whether you want a house in a great school district or one that’s convenient to health facilities, defining the qualities of your ideal neighbourhood will help narrow your search area.

          Top 5 Factors Influencing Neighbourhood Choice

a.       Quality of the neighbourhood

b.       Convenient to job

c.        Overall affordability of homes

d.       Convenient to friends/family

e.       Neighbourhood design

4.     What’s your lifestyle?  Single homebuyers may have different needs than married buyers, or buyers with childrend, and all of these groups have different needs than retirees looking to downsize.  What about you?  Are you single and one or more children and want to live in a family-oriented subdivision with a pool and recreation center?  Perhaps you want your children to grow up near cultural amenities only found in urban areas.  Your current stage of life, as well as your desired lifestyle, often influences the types of areas and your priorities, you can foucs your home search to only those that match your desires. 

Are you ready to start your home search? 

Let’s discuss it!  Once you’ve defined what ythe right home looks like to you, pop into the office and we’ll discuss your options.  Finding the right home can be difficult, but we’ll give you the scoop on what to expect during the process.  With an experienced professional by your side, you’re sure to make the right decision. 

The average buyer visited or considered 9 homes before buying.¹

Source: Buffini & Company