Blog > The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying
Buying a home these days comes with some challenges—higher mortgage rates and home prices, plus a shortage of available houses. But fear not, there are ways to still make your dream of owning a home come true.
As you start your home-buying journey, it's essential to be smart about it. Take a good look at your wish list and figure out what features you really need versus those that would be nice but not necessary. This way, you won't end up overspending or limiting your choices too much in the quest for the perfect home.
According to Danielle Hale, the Chief Economist at Realtor.com, the key to making a good decision in this tricky housing market is to focus on what you need now and in the future. And here's a tip: don't go overboard with your budget, even if it seems tempting.
To figure out what you truly need, make a list of features you'd like to see and organize them like this:
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Must-Haves: Features that are non-negotiable for your lifestyle, like proximity to work or family, a specific number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and so on.
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Nice-To-Haves: Features that would be cool but aren't dealbreakers. If a home has the must-haves and some of these, it's a good option. Think of a second home office, a garage, etc.
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Dream State: Big wishes that would be amazing but aren't necessary. If a home fits the budget and has all the must-haves, most nice-to-haves, and any dream features, it's a winner. Consider things like a pool, multiple walk-in closets, etc.
If you only check out homes with all your dream features, you might be making things harder on yourself and your budget. Stuff like granite countertops or a pool can be added later, so focus on things you can't change, like location or a specific number of rooms.
Sometimes, the perfect home is the one you make perfect after you buy it.
Once you've got your list sorted, chat with your real estate agent about your top priorities. They can help you narrow it down and find a home in your area that ticks all your boxes.
In a nutshell, with today's affordability challenges and a limited supply of homes, being strategic is key. Let's connect to make your dream home a reality without breaking the bank.