hatever you’re looking for, I’d love to help you find your dream home. Call me and I will show you what’s available in your area. If you’re selling your home, I can create a plan to market your home to its best advantage. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, I’m here to help.
So, you’re ready to buy a home. The great news is with thousands of houses on the market, there’s a home for every style and price range. Some people long for a sleek new condo with city views; others want a large yard with plenty of room for the kids to play. Before you start searching for your dream home, take some time to figure out your needs and your wants. Here are a few steps that will help steer you towards your ideal home.
Look at how you live
You want your home to match your lifestyle. Love to cook? You'll want a well-equipped kitchen. If you're into gardening, you'll want a yard. Young couples might want to consider homes that can accommodate a growing family. Empty-nesters may not need four bedrooms and four baths. Consider how your new space will be used. If you work out of your home, space for a home office is a must. People with lots of sports equipment or craft and hobby supplies would appreciate extra storage space to keep their items organized.
Single family home, townhouse or condominium
There are three main types of housing—single family homes, townhomes and condominiums. Each have features that appeal to different needs.
A single family home sits on its own lot. Aside from neighborhood ordinances, you can do with it as you wish—build an addition, re-landscape or add a deck. Since you own the land, you’re responsible for all the upkeep. Single family homes offer the potential for lots of space and customization.
With a townhome, your ownership includes the ground directly underneath your home as well as the structure. Townhomes commonly have shared walls, and can range from duplexes and triplexes to large communities. In larger communities, all homeowners usually have an additional shared ownership in the common areas and amenities such as swimming pools and parks. These shared areas are managed by a homeowners association and maintained by dues paid by all homeowners. While there are restrictions on how you can alter the look of your home, townhomes offer the benefits of homeownership with much of the maintenance provided by the community.
When you buy a condominium, you have ownership of your individual unit as well as a shared interest in all of the common areas. While your neighbors are closer than in a single family home, many homebuyers are willing to trade less privacy for the lavish amenities—like pools, tennis courts, gyms and concierge services—that are found in some condo developments. A homeowners association manages the common areas and maintenance is funded by a monthly condo fee paid be all homeowners. Condo living is ideal for someone interested in a low-maintenance, “lock and go” lifestyle. manages the common areas and maintenance is funded by a monthly condo fee paid be all homeowners. Condo living is ideal for someone interested in a low-maintenance, “lock and go” lifestyle.
Choose your location
Would you rather live in the city, the country, or the suburbs? How important is commute time? Do you want to be near parks or shopping? Is the quality of local schools a consideration? The answers to these questions will help determine which neighborhoods will work best for you. Remember, you can change almost any imperfection in a home, but you can’t change your home's location.
New or existing construction
Some people love the charm of an older home, others like everything brand new. It all depends on your personal taste. Older homes require more maintenance, but they can offer period detailing and craftsmanship that is nearly impossible to replicate in newer homes. Older homes also benefit from the kind of mature landscaping that can only come with time. On the other hand, new homes have the benefit of new plumbing, new wiring and the latest technology, like Internet-ready high-speed phone lines and cable hookups throughout the house. Sleek finishes and stylish modern amenities give new homes a fresh, contemporary feel. Keep in mind that most older homes are typically located in established neighborhoods close to the center of town. Newer homes are generally on the outskirts of town.
Your personal style
Your dream home should express your personality. If you long for a dining room that seats 12 and space for your grand piano, a traditional home is a great fit. If your lifestyle runs to the more casual, you may want to consider a less formal home. Different styles of architecture offer different esthetics. Some people love the brackets, spindles and turrets of a Victorian home, others prefer the unadorned minimalism of modern architecture. Styles of homes vary by region, but also by neighborhood.
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