Location:
Think
about commuting time, and the cost of gas getting to and from work. If you have
or want to have children, think about the local schools. How does the locale
fit into your lifestyle? Will you need a good public transportation system? Is
it important for you to be close to big shopping centers, or would you rather
live off the beaten path? How safe is the neighborhood? Is it in an up and
coming part of town, or is it becoming more run down? These questions matter
for both your quality of life, and the resell potential years down the line.
Budget:
The
first step in buying a new home is to get preapproved for a mortgage. Your loan
officer will take into account the total household income, credit scores,
interest rates, and how much cash you will be paying upfront for the down
payment. Check out luxury real estate
auctions where you can view beautiful properties without paying more
than your budget. You should also have a personal monthly budget, and make sure
to factor in not only rent, but utility bills and the monthly maintenance and
renovations costs that you’ll need to do.
Make
a List: Brainstorm with everyone who will be living in the
home on the desirable features of a new house. The first draft can have every
feature your fantasy home would have. A luxury home auction is a
great way to get ideas on the features you are looking for. Then go back through
the list and separate the features into a list of what you NEED, and another
list of what you WANT. Also, make a list of features that you absolutely don’t
want – the deal breakers of your home search. Once you’re in a home, it’s
possible to fall in love and make spur of the moment decisions, so remember
that a written list is meant to keep you focused on what best suits you and
your family’s needs for the long term, and that’s not always the house that
immediately catches your fancy. As you are house hunting, bring a camera and
take pictures while filling out a checklist of the features that appeal to you,
or turn you off, from each home.