So, your realtor has asked you the standard question – what are you looking for in a home?
Narrowing down your search can be overwhelming especially with all the amazing options available in every Houston home. Not to mention the different locations, community amenities, and home features, it’s very easy to get thrown off balance with all these myriad of choices. On the other hand, not evaluating your choices can result to a costly mistake.
In Houston alone, thousands of homes are currently on the market, but of course all of them suit each home buyer differently and rank differently on their house hunting wish lists.
So the next question is – how do you narrow down the search for your dream home?
Creating Your New Home Wish list
Many potential Houston home buyers are bogged down in the details of the home like – how many bedrooms, do I need a pool, should I go for a second story, how about an outdoor entertaining space with fully functional kitchen, so on and so forth. While these questions and features are valid and great, perhaps it’s best to ask – what do I want vs want do I need. This is where a house checklist or new home wish list comes in handy since it draws distinction between what you want vs what you really need in a home.
We have a prepared a simple yet straightforward new home wish list to help you identify what you want and need for your new or next Houston home.
1. Budget
If budget weren’t a concern, what would you include in your dream home wish list? While not all of us can afford a million dollar house, having a realistic budget is an important factor in narrowing down your home search. During this stage it’s best to consult a realtor or a licensed mortgage professional to help you set a budget and calculate the size of the loan your household qualifies for.
2. Location
You might have heard of this mantra when talking to an agent – “location, location, location”. In a nutshell, it means that home values vary widely depending on their location. For example, the median cost of a single-family home in Houston is $300K, while in Austin it’s $595K. You may have a dream neighborhood in mind, but always check the median price of homes, proximity to work or school, and accessibility to public transportation and hospitals.
3. Type of Home
You have several different options of home types available to you – single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and historic homes to name a few. Each of these home types have their own advantages and disadvantages which you should consider depending on your need as well as your household members. If a member of your household has mobility restrictions, then you might opt for single-story home.
4. Home Design
Next on your wish list is the home design. This is where you decide on the number of bedrooms, baths, or land width. When looking at potential homes, consider not just the size of your household and their current needs but also think about where will you be in the next few years – will you have more children? Are you going to sell the house after a decade?
5. Features and Amenities
Now we are getting more specific with your new home wish list. A good starting point in narrowing down your options for this section is to think about a day in winter and summer. What type of flooring, appliances, and amenities do you need to survive the winter and summer? While some of these features are considered a ‘want’ and just for aesthetics, there are basic features and amenities that add value to your home in the long run.
Your New Home Wish list Items
Now that you have determined your minimum basic needs for your new home, create a list of the items you want per category. If you think that your items under each section are way too many, you can rank these in importance to identify which of these are must haves, important but can wait, not important, or would like to have. You’ll be amazed when you see how specific your final draft is, which makes finding your dream home easier.
The key to a creating a new home wish list is to categorically identify your home buying wants versus needs. Once you have identified what you really need and want in a home, you can now narrow down your search and avoid costly issues when the time comes to a new home purchase. And it would be easier for your realtor to find the type of home you’re looking for when you have your new home wish list.
If budget weren’t a concern, what feature would you include in your new home wish list?
Comment down below…
About ApexPro Real Estate
ApexPro Real Estate Group is a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in single family and attached residential properties throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. We are a privately-held small business that brings together top agents, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled service to help clients throughout Houston to buy and sell real estate — and enjoy themselves every step along the way. Our client reviews exhibit our dedication to help our clients extends beyond the closing table and we would love to earn your business.