Did you know that the average American moves 11.4 times in their lives?
Whether you’re seeking to move across neighborhoods or across the world, finding the perfect home can be a daunting challenge.
Let’s get into how you can transform your dream home visions into reality!
1. Envision Your Perfect Home
This is the fun, brainstorming part. It’s where you get to let your imagination run wild!
Hop on Pinterest or grab a few copies of your favorite interior design magazines. Start collaging or pinning and taking down notes of all the things you desire in your dream home.
Ideally, you should create three categories that include your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’t-want-to-haves.
2. Determine Your Location
Location, location, location. We’ve all heard that cliched mantra, but it serves a legitimate purpose when scouting out your perfect home.
Do you want to stay in your hometown? Do you want to relocate for work? Do you want to start talking to a buyers agent across the world?
People often move because they have to leave a specific environment due to budget or employment constraints. That said, it’s essential to identify what location means to you.
Do you need optimal weather? Want a shorter commute? Looking to transition to a lower-cost-of-living area? You must consider these factors when planning out your move.
3. Define Your Budget
Buying a house is often one of the most expensive investments you can make. That’s why locking down your budget is so essential.
You need to consider how you intend to pay for the home and determine loan rates. Additionally, you also must consider all the incremental fees including:
- remodeling costs
- closing costs
- maintenance costs
- property taxes
- HOA fees
Finally, just because you technically can afford a house doesn’t mean it’s the best financial decision. Make sure to really understand your money situation before signing any contracts.
4. Plan For the Future
It’s so easy to only focus on our current needs. Many people make the mistake of just considering their present self when house-hunting.
That said, you should ideally plan on staying in your new home for at least 5-7 years. The longer you stay, the more you can pay down your mortgage and build equity.
Anticipate the changes that could occur within 5-7 years. Will you have children? Will children be leaving home?
5. Look Beyond Flaws
You may not find a home that meets every criterion on your checklist. This doesn’t mean you should rule out the property altogether.
When searching for a home, you may need to look past small blemishes. After all, some TLC can go a long way (especially in helping you save money).
It’s better to focus on the “bones” and location of the home than the cosmetic appearance. With some retouching and remodeling, those are quick fixes.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect home takes time and research. However, it’s worth the work and the wait. The perfect home grows with you–and you want to grow with it!
Are you interested in learning more about buying a home? Check out this article today.
