Finding The Perfect Home

6 Tips to Find the Perfect Home

When you're ready to purchase your dream home or the perfect home, it is an exciting time.  However, in all your excitement, it's easy to rush the essential steps you need to take to get the home of your dreams. After all, your home is a significant investment and chances are you'll be living in it for many years to come. Here are 6 tips to find the perfect home.

1. Research the Area

One of the most important things you can do is to research the area where you wish to live.  You may think an area is acceptable because you're relying it on the beautiful homes that you see every time you drive by, but looks can be deceiving.  Research not only the crime and the schools, but check out the businesses, the parks, and even things like trash and recycling pickup. Does the area have any rules that you need to follow, such as parking on the street?

2. Research the Property Values

You probably have an idea of how much homes are costing in the area, but are property values increasing or decreasing?  If the property values of the area are declining, determine why and decide if it is still an area where you should invest.

3. Find a Competent Real Estate Agent

Once you've researched the area and determined the property values, now it's time to hire a competent real estate agent. Yes, you can try to purchase a home on your own, but it's not advised.  A real estate agent is knowledgeable about the area and has the tools to pinpoint the kind of homes that are closest to what you're looking for. 

Then, when you've made a decision, the agent can help you negotiate a fair price and work out all the details with the seller.  Without an agent, you're left to do these things on your own, probably without the skills needed to close the deal.

4. Look at Homes Recommended by Your Agent, But Don't Delay

Your competent real estate agent will recommend homes on the market that closely matches your preferences.  One thing to remember, however, is that looking for the perfect home is not like looking for the perfect pair of shoes. 

Wait too long, and the ideal home is likely to be taken by someone else.  Good homes don't last long on the real estate market.  They are quickly snatched up by a buyer.  So if you see something you like, take it.  Don't try to look at every home for sale in the neighborhood.

5. When Looking at Homes, Pay Attention to Certain Details

When deciding on a home, focus on specific details.  For examples, are you looking for a coat closet?  How big should the dining room be? Is the basement finished? How many bathrooms does it have? Is there enough counter space in the kitchen? Is there easy access to a backdoor, or do you have to enter the house from the front? Does it have a garage? Is there enough lighting in the home?

Make a list of the things that you want in a home and bring that list with you when you look.  You may not be able to get everything you want when you buy, but try to get as close to it as possible.

6. Hire an Inspector

Never purchase a home without having it inspected first.  You may think that after you've examined the house, everything is fine, but a home inspector is trained to find things that you may not be able to see.

Buying that perfect home is exciting, but it means that you have to be smart and diligent about what to look for. Follow these tips for the best results.