Make Your Dream Home a Reality
Most of us have a dream home stuck in the back of our minds and waiting to come true. Here are a few pointers to remember to make this dream a reality.
Make a detailed list of home attributes that you want. You may include the architectural style that you prefer, like modern or post-modern or even the small details like a bay window or arches on entry ways or even cathedral ceilings. Perhaps, it is better to take note of your own interests as you plan your future home. For example, you are a fitness buff, then a small gym would be good to have. If you like entertaining friends, then you can include a bar or a basement game room. If you usually eat breakfast alone, have a simple breakfast nook. It is good to list down everything you want in this home, including the number the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, whether you would like to have a library, a guest room or, perhaps, a home theater.
If you’re planning to buy your dream home instead of having it constructed with your own specifications, you can start looking online. Some homes are unlisted and are not readily available to the public unless a realtor has the listing on a website or business blog. For this reason, it is a good idea to search these realtor websites. Better yet, hire a real estate agent. Many home realtors have a grand inventory of homes that aren’t put up on the Internet. When choosing a real estate agent, pick one with a good track record.
Confirm photographs by making personal visits. This step is quite obvious. Many of the homes for sale only have front elevation photos. Some don’t have a single photo. Then there is Photoshop. Some photos have been altered using photo editing software to make them look very appealing or even to delete a not-so-appealing attribute. A personal visit would allow you to confirm the actual condition of the homes you’re choosing from..
Consult a real estate agent who specializes in the home market of a particular area. The area expert will not just provide you with information about the home, but also a demographic data of the said area, crime reports, and other important information on the locality.
Consider the ownership costs as possible. Do not just come stop with mortgage and utilities. Size up the issues of property taxes, maintenance and repair costs, insurance, etc. Compute your level of affordability for the home.