9 Tips For Compromising During Your Home Search

9 Tips For Compromising During Your Home Search

Everyone has their own unique vision of their dream home, which is why finding the “perfect” Gainesville house for both you and your spouse can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions to help you work together to find a place that makes everyone happy.

1. Have a Board Meeting and Make Your Wish Lists.
Each person should sit down and make a list of the top ten or so features he or she wants in the next home. Compare your lists and come up with features that are “Must haves” and “Maybe’s”.

2. Want or need?
Categorize each item on your list as a “want,” such as a magnificent view from the back deck, or a “need,” such as a home with a ranch layout to accommodate your achy knees.  Flat level or stairs? Spilt bedroom plan?  Screened Patio?   Discuss your wants and needs.

3. Prioritize.
Arrange your lists from most important to least important features. And remember that your priority list could change after you start viewing homes in the Gainesville area.

4. Discuss.
Discuss why each item is important to you so your partner understands your motivation and logic. Allow them the opportunity to do the same for their list.

5. Keep an open mind.
Don’t automatically eliminate properties with items you and your partner don’t agree on. One of you could change your mind after seeing a feature up close.

6. Ask your Realtor to mediate.
Your Realtor works for everyone who is making the decision to buy, and therefore won’t play favorites. Your agent can provide neutral advice on which features are a good fit for your budget, home values, and which ones aren’t as great as they seem.

7. Calculate changes.
Sometimes, the features that a home lacks or needs changed won’t break the bank to address. Floors, closets, decks, countertops and sinks can all be upgraded for a cost that might be less painful than an argument.

8. Take a time out.
House hunting can be emotionally charged. If discussions get heated, take a break. Go for a walk or a coffee and agree to not discuss real estate until you return. Your home hunting and home viewing should never be stressful.

9. Keep the bigger issue in mind.
Whichever home you choose, you’re about to embark on a new adventure! Positive thinking goes a long way in the home search process.

The Bohn Team believes that you will “feel” which home is best for you & your family.

Are you ready to start looking for your next home Gainesville?  Give us a call and we will get to work for you!

**Originally Posted at GainesvilleRealEstateTalk