earching for a home can be realistic. If you have a $150,000
an exciting, hope-filled, limit to purchase a home, but you
stressful, and uncertain think you need a 10,000 square
experience, all at the same time. foot mansion with gourmet
To help alleviate some of this kitchen, gym, indoor swimming
stress and uncertainty, it is pool, tennis court, and manicured
suggested that you create a gardens in Beverly Hills, you may
“Wants and Needs” assessment. It need to reconsider your needs or
may sound simple, and it is, but play the lottery. OK, that
it can save you a great deal of example is extreme, but I think
time in narrowing down homes to you get the point. Take a
investigate and preview. Walking realistic and honest approach to
through homes that have nearly what you need. Once you begin
everything you are looking for, searching for homes that meet
except that extra bedroom, extra your needs, any additional
bathroom, full basement or other “wants” will be an added bonus,
component you cannot live and may help you to decide on one
without, can be a frustrating home over another.
experience. No need to fear!
Gather your family, get There would seem to be a
comfortable, and start your limitless number of categories to
assessment. Simply list items consider for your list, but
which are “must haves” as your keeping to the major areas for
NEEDS, and items you would “like your “needs” side is a good
to have” as your WANTS. This starting point. Major areas to
exercise will force you to take a consider could be square footage,
more in-depth look into one of bedrooms, baths, location, age,
the most important purchase overall condition, acreage,
decisions of your life. It will basement type, water supply,
also help to keep things heating type, access, and garage.
The “wants” side might contain thing or a bad thing, depending
things such as interior and upon the housing supply in your
exterior decoration items, floor target area. Your real estate
and wall coverings, window type, agent should be able to assess
appliances, counter tops, your list and determine if it’s
fireplace, deck, Jacuzzi, and reasonable in the area you are
pool. Notice that the wanted looking and for what you plan to
categories contain things that spend.
can be added or changed
relatively easily, while the You may find that your list will
needed areas would require a change during your home search.
significant commitment of time This is perfectly normal as you
and resource to remedy. Of put more thought into your
course, the age and location of requirements and adapt your list
the home cannot be changed at to the current market of
all. Only you and your family can available homes for sale within
determine which items are your price range. Stay true to
important enough to be included your core needs and you will find
on your assessment, but keep in the home you want. Why? Because
mind that the more extensive your you made the list and know that
list of needs, the smaller the you “Want What You Need”. Happy
number of homes that will meet House Hunting!
your criteria. This can be a good
About the Author:
For Saratoga County and Capital Region NY real estate visit SaratogaLivingHomes.com. A resource is also available for area Homebuyers and For Sale By Owners
Read more articles by:
James OBrien
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