Evaluating Your Wants And Needs As A Homebuyer Matters More Today: When it comes to buying a home, especially with today’s affordability challenges, you’ll want to be strategic. Mortgage rate impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. And, to help offset the higher borrowing costs today, some homebuyers are taking a close look at their wish list and re-evaluating what features they really need in their next home to avoid overextending. As a recent NerdWallet article says:
“A pool, for example, may be nice to have, but it may not provide as much day-to-day value as a garage or a space for a home office . . .”
Is getting that pool the main reason you’re moving? Probably not. It’s more likely a need for more space, a home office, or proximity to loved ones, friends, or work. So, if you’re looking to buy a home, take some time to consider what’s truly essential for you. Make a list of all the features you’ll want to see, and 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. (examples: 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, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it’s a contender. (examples: 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, but 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. (examples: a pool, multiple walk-in closets, etc.)
Read Also: The True Cost of Selling Your House On Your Own
Once you’ve categorized it in a way that works for you, discuss your top priorities with your real estate agent. Be sure to discuss where each feature falls with your agent.
Bottom Line
Putting together your list of necessary features for your next home might seem like a small task, but it’s a crucial planning step on your home-buying journey today. If you’re ready to find a home that fits your needs, connect with a local real estate advisor.
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One of the reasons to call the Agardi Team if you want to buy a home or have one to sell is:
Not only do we sell our clients’ homes for more money and faster than the average area agent, but your home is also more likely to sell. According to 2015 MLS statistics, only 71% of area homes sold during their listing term. Compare that to our 95% of homes listed that sold before the end of the listing term. YOUR HOME SOLD GUARANTEED OR WE’LL BUY IT*
To discuss the sale of your home, call The Agardi Team at 718-755-2882 and start packing!
*Agardi Team and the seller have to agree on the price and the closing date.
