Susan Kramm-Realtor-Realty Executives Battlefords

YOUR HOME SEARCH?

You have made a decision to purchase a home.  Congratulations!  It will be the biggest financial decision you have made to date.  The last thing you want is to make a mistake.  As your realtor I understand and my job is to help you thru the information allowing you make a good decision for YOU!   

FACTORS TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO YOUR HOME SEARCH

How much are you approved for financing?

• How much of that limit are you willing to spend

Are you willing to save money and purchase a home that will require some repairs?  OR Do you require move-in ready?

• Often paint can make a huge difference to the look of the home while allowing you to make it your own. 
• The Information age exposes you to so many DIY Projects and Ideas that can be done on any budget.  PIN’s
• Paid Handymen can often do repairs and change and fix for a very reasonable price                                                  Consider--immediate, 1 yr, 3 yrs, 5 yrs, 10 yrs

Be open to thinking outside the box.  Obviously, you need a specific amount of Bedrooms and Bathrooms. 

• Evaluate your situation—needs and wants for what’s right for you. 
• Focus on the Living Space…That’s where most of your time will be spent
• TV watchers?  Like to cook?  Kids need an area to play?
• If you have a dog you will probably need a fenced yard
• If you have lots of company coming that stays over for a few days or more.
• If you have children –where will they play and put away toys. 

Check out the floor plan.  Can you make it work?
Remember the furniture Does Not Stay!  Pictures Do Not Stay! Accessories Do Not Stay!

• That beautiful decorating and style is leaving with the previous  owner

Appliances and window treatments often come with the home. 

• Condition of them and replacement is a consideration

THE SEARCH BEGINS

• I’m sure you will be checking the internet and have a few homes that seem to fit the search.  (pictures can sometimes tell a thousand words)
• Often Buyers drive by the homes they choose and see just what the neighbours are like.  Drive to the home different times of the day.  How does the neighbourhood show from the back?
• Looks good put it on your list for a home viewing. 
• As your realtor, we will have discussed your wants and needs and can assist you in offering you options that fit your criteria.  Combining your research with my knowledge of the community saves time and often superior results. 

HOME VIEWING

Sellers work hard to prepare their home for showings and as a responsible Buyer you should view all of the homes that fit your criteria, but don’t inconvenience the sellers and waste time to view homes that don’t meet your needs or are out of your price range.  This practice ends up being very detrimental to your home search.   

Sellers expect that buyers and the Realtor have screened what the home has to offer and book a showing to view.  Usually, the first visit gives you a feel of the home and confirms the floor plan work to your needs. 

• A word of caution—If you view too many homes without the above process you can become confused and frustrated.  This leads often to you as a buyer making the wrong choice. 
• By viewing first had a house can feel like a home.  The onsite inspection also allows you to see comparable homes and make you feel much more comfortable with VALUE. 

A recommendation if you find a home that you love…. Recheck to see if it meets your criteria you chose.  Not saying that some compromise will probably be required. 

• This process allows to focus in on your needs and wants and not gets caught up in the process which can take you down the wrong path.  HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!