Welcome to the world of home buying, where your dream of finding the perfect home might just come true…with a little bit of strategic thinking and a sprinkle of creativity! There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still fewer homes available for sale than the norm. But there are ways to overcome these things and still make your dream of homeownership a reality, I promise — perfect after buying.
Your Dream Home Wish List
When it comes to making your wish list, it’s important to distinguish between your needs and your nice-to-haves. Sure, having a pool in the backyard might sound amazing, but is it really necessary? Prioritize what you truly need in a home and keep those must-haves at the top of your list. This will help you avoid overextending your budget or limiting your pool of options too much because you’re searching for that perfect home.
To help identify what you truly need, make a list of all the features you’ll want to see. From there, work to break those features into categories. Here’s a great way to organize your list:
- Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle. For example: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.
- Nice-To-Haves – These are features you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren’t dealbreakers. If you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it’s a contender. For example: a second home office, a garage, etc.
- Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need. If you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner. For example: a pool, multiple walk-in closets, etc.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Sometimes, you might fall head over heels for a house that checks most of your boxes but falls short on some features. Instead of wallowing in disappointment, think outside the box! Avoid overextending your budget by considering homes that have potential for growth. You can always add other features later and turn it into your dream state. Sometimes the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it.
Remember that having a real estate agent by your side is like having a secret weapon. They are experts in navigating the housing market and can help you find hidden gems that you might have overlooked.
Bottom Line
So go ahead, be strategic, dream big (but not too big), and get ready to perfect that home after buying it! It’s all about finding the right balance between what you need now and what you can create later. Happy house hunting!
Anytime between “now” and “right now” is a good time to take action on shaping your best life, and that includes where you live. Let’s get the ball rolling on your next steps.
(702) 374-6807. Or drop me a line here.
