The first two steps in buying a new home involve deciding what you want and what you can afford. Before you start looking at homes with a Realtor, it helps to create a list of features that you must have and a list of things that would be nice to have. This morning, as I was feeding my horses in freezing temperatures, I decided there might be some benefit to creating this list with different seasons in mind.
Must Have List
The items on your “Must Have” list should be non-negotiable. If the home doesn’t have everything on your “Must Have” list, you don’t want to look at it.
Your price range should be item #1 in your “must have” category.
Other things to consider including are:
- Condition
- Age
- Size
- Lot size/Acreage
- Minimum number of bedrooms
- Minimum number of bathrooms
- Garage?
- Fencing?
- Deed restrictions?
- Horse Barn? (What size and quality? Flooring preferences? Electricity? Water? Tack Room? Wash rack? Kitchen? Bathroom? Arena? )
- Other
Nice to Have List
The nice to have’s include items that you would really like to have. However, if a home didn’t have one of these items, it does not mean that the home would not be considered.
Your Realtor should be able to tell you if your “Must Have” list is reasonable and within your price range. Your Realtor will use the information on your lists to search for homes that you might be interested in.
As time goes by and you have seen your options, you may need to revise your lists.
Sincerely,
Sondra Meyer Peterson
Colorado Horse Property Specialist
Colorado. See It. Experience It. Live It
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