What are you looking for in a Seattle house?
The Seattle real estate market in 2008 is perfect environment for a qualified buyer. I already talked about Seattle buyer basics, but now I would like to focus on creating a checklist of what you are looking for as a buyer in this market. Creating a checklist can really help clarify what you are looking for in a new home for your real estate agent, but it can also reveal some interesting things!
I only bring up checklists because they really can be helpful. Seven times out of ten a new Seattle buyer will tell me one thing in the beginning about what they are looking for and then fall in love with something completely different. I have seen it happen enough times that I don't want to eliminate any potential properties while I am searching in the MLS for them. A checklist helps.
Break the checklist down into categories first and leave room for items in each category.
- Needs
- Wants
- Dream come true- pie in the sky things
Needs are going to be basic requirements - Basic bed and bath count, etc. - things you are not flexible on as a minimum. Wants will be things that might be reasonable in your price range - an extra half bath or a peek a boo view. The dream come true list is for things that could happen, but might not - perks like a second parking spot or a hot tub...
Biggest mistake I see with the needs category: "All Appliances included" Most of the time most of the appliances are included, but occasionally a refrigerator is not included and many times the washer and dryer are not included. Although it is tough to be able to afford these things separately on your own after spending a ton of money on a house, these are small ticket items relative to the house itself. If all else is right with the property, don't get hung up on these items.
Other considerations?
Location! Make sure and get a list of Seattle neighborhoods and zip codes to your agent and go look at these areas so you know what streets to avoid if you don't want to be on a busy street, etc. Your Realtor can do this for you, too, but I always like to have my clients really educated on the areas they are looking at for potential new homes.
Make a checklist if you are thinking about buying in 2008 - you might find that you are open to more areas than you thought if the price is right. You also might find that you are not in the correct price range. A checklist can really determine your budget or it can validate or destroy your preset idea of a budget for buying a house. It is am important tool and doesn't take too long to create.
Why not buy and live green? Green Seattle info!
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Courtney Cooper ....For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County. Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs! Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services: Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting - I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Greenlake, Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!
If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at Seattle Relocation services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!
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And while you are making your checklist know buying now in the northwest is a "Good Thing".