 | Robert Cobb is Managing Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Cobb Realty in Pittsburg, KS. He is a life-long resident of Pittsburg and a PSU graduate with a BS in Business Administration. He has been in the real estate field for 23 years. He is currently a KAR Director and the President of the Pittsburg Board of Realtors. |
Real Estate
2012-03-26 16:42:16
How do I choose the right home?
Q: My husband and I have decided to buy a home. Since it is such a significant purchase and one we will have to live with for a while, I want to be sure that we are methodical in choosing one, rather than rushing. Can you tell me what we should factor when looking for our new home and how to avoid an emotional purchase?
A: Indeed, buying a home is an emotional process and it is easy to be carried away by those emotions and end up with a home that you love but does not necessarily meet your real needs. If you would like to find a home that both stirs you emotionally and meets your needs, here are a few practical tips.
1. Make a list of non-negotiable home must haves, and prioritize the list. Understand that most homebuyers go in to the process with a long list of must-haves and whittle that list down in the process. Be objective about the things you absolutely must have from the start and you will avoid ruling out a home that may actually be the perfect fit.
2. Think long term. Even if you do not plan to be in the home for decades, think about how well the home will fit your needs five, ten, fifteen years from now. It is difficult to anticipate what the future holds so make sure the home is a good fit and adaptable to future needs.
3. Weigh the pros and cons of both new and old construction. Each come with advantages that could help you make a decision with which you will be happy for years to come.
4. Take good notes and plenty of pictures. Start with a picture of the address to keep one viewing distinguished from the next. Include pictures of the positive and negative aspects of the home.
5. Imagine yourself in the home and take yourself through the course of a busy week. Think about how well the home works and how well the spaces do their job. Personalize your evaluation by asking if each element meets your needs. Small closets and too few bathrooms can be a deal sinker, but an easy commute may help you overlook dated tile.
6. Think outside the box. A home may not be the perfect fit at first, but a home in the right price range may leave room for additions or remodels. When viewing each home, look for the possibility of the property as a whole.
7. Do not rush. You have time to find the right house
Finally, while it is important to make an informed decision, do not discount the emotions entirely. I can tell you from experience that in the vast majority of cases, buyers choose the home that they connect with on an emotional level. After all, your home is where most of life’s most important moments happen and it should be one that you love.
