Step 3: Choosing Important Features
Fantastic features!
Imagine your dream home. There are endless possibilities. Which features did you always want in your dream home? Which onces can you absolutely not live without?
Please tell me everything!
Once I looked for a condo for a person and I never knew they had a dog in the family. We found the perfect condo, but then we discovered that pets were not allowed! Features are very important. Please tell me your important features! If you are heavily leaning on a certain neighborhood even though you have a curiosity about another closeby I can help you decide. Please mention all your features in our intial interview. Also, if you are relocating and need to sell your home please mention this. I hope this page helps you discover which features are important to you.
The 3 basics.
The three basic features are bedrooms, baths and neighborhood. Once you establish these I am a happy agent. Next, try to think of what type of person you are (boy that sounds really abstract doesn’t it?). Just think though what kind of things you like to do and whether it is practical for you to live in a certain neighborhood. For example, even the most extreme beach person may not want to commute hours to work everyday just to live at the beach. Instead, I recommend living where you will be spending most of your time. You can always drive just a few more minutes on your day off to that special place farther away. Try to narrow down your choice to what will make you the most happy.
Choosing your neighborhood.
3 beds, 2 baths. Wow, that was easy. Now, let's move on to the neighborhood! Try to imagine your interaction with the neighbors and the community... now that seems tough, but really there is not that much difference from the interaction you now have with the people you hang out with today. Why is that? There is so much diversity in Southern California, something for everyone, and you will find your niche. Are you a really involved person within your community? Do you like talking to your neighbors? If so, you may want to consider living in the suburbs, in a townhouse, family oriented home tract, or condo with people that have similar interests. Before I inspire you to knock on strange doors though, hopefully I can calm your nerves in the next paragraph first!
How are the neighbors?
Based on my experience, Southern California neighbors are very nice but they do not greet people in the neighborhood like they do in the South or Maryland. Clubs and associations are pretty much the way neighbors meet in Southern California. Therefore, as long as you live within a comfortable driving distance to your desired destinations and every day life needs like work, shopping, family and your favorite clubs and associations no matter where you live you will do just fine being with the kinds of people you hang out with now. If you like the way the neighborhood looks you should be absolutely set and that does not take long to figure out after you see the homes and neighborhood profiles. Most people drive their cars to where they want to go. People are always going outside in Southern California, especially in the beach counties like Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Orange County. The weather here causes people to like going outside year round.
What type of home features should you choose?
Do you entertain often? If so, you may want a home where there is room to gather, someplace light and airy, recreational, or perhaps with a view. You will also need to consider parking if you do not plan on living in the suburbs. Once you start thinking, certain features will stand out. Having these features will make you the most happy!
Consider a good private school.
If you have children, consider taking them to a local private school. Most real estate agents advertise public school information. I attended both public and private schools growing up and I highly recommend a private school education for your children.
Next, Step 4: Prequalification
 | © John-Robin Middlebrook. Last updated July 2006.
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