Thinking about buying a new home can be exciting, exhilarating and bit scary all at the same time. The investment in a home is a large one — perhaps even the largest single purchase expenditure of your entire life! But rather than fretting about that fact, think instead about the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you are purchasing your first home or are a seasoned real estate wheeler-and-dealer, let the excitement win you over and have fun thinking about and planning your new home.
Evaluating your options means more than simply picking out the best white house in the neighborhood and snatching it up — unless that particular white house is exactly what you’ve always dreamed of — then buy it! Plan for the future when buying your home in the present; that sounds like something I just made up, but in reality — it is true. That doesn’t mean you should buy “more house” than you can afford, rather it means think about how long you plan to be in the home, the size requirements you need and how your life may change while in the home.
For example, if you think your living arrangements may change (marriage, divorce, family moving in, etc.) then work that factor into your home purchase. Instead of buying a home that is two bedrooms and one bath, perhaps you should go for an extra of each to accommodate the upcoming changes.
Always consider more than the immediate circumstances when making the all-important decision of buying a home. You may find a “good deal” on a home in a less desirable neighborhood with a less than average school district. While you don’t mind the neighborhood and you don’t have any school-aged children, what will you face when trying to sell the home in the future? Just because it is a “good deal” doesn’t mean you have to have it. Again, this is not to say you should walk away immediately, but if you think you plan to sell the home within three to five years, then you should at least consider the resale value before buying it.
If you’d like to discuss your options further, or just bounce a few ideas off of me, give me a call. I’m happy to talk it through and show you properties throughout the area.
~ Michelle