Step 5: Looking for a Property
Looking requires planning ahead.
Notice that half the buying process takes place before focus turns to looking for the right property.
Establish your features.
Before you go looking you should have the following features well established in your mind:
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of baths
- Which Neighborhood
- Special amenities you need (yard for pets, kids, garage, etc.)
- Do you entertain often or only on major holidays?
- How many cars do you need to park?
- Also, anything else that may be very important should also go here.
These features must be presented to me so that I can help you do a really productive house search. If you do not know, please do your best to narrow it down and explain what you are tying to do so we can reason it out together before we team up to start looking.
What to bring?
Once you are ready to look, what should you bring with you? Bring a pencil, paper (or PDA), and a camera. Try to spot little shops, churches and other points of interest near your desired neighborhood and take pictures so you can remember what you saw.
How to preview?
If you do not like the look of the home you are previewing, whether the inside or exterior, it is my belief that these looks can be changed. Try to focus on the floor plan of the home you visit first, then the structural quality and least of all the current interior design because that is the easiest to change.
Consider the possibility of adding on a third bedroom if you are thinking about having children. Try to imagine the home with an upgraded kitchen. If the home is in a noisy area, the noise can be reduced by double pane windows. Keep in mind that many problems in the home can be addressed on an individual basis. Try to separate the problems of a home from the benefits and weigh them fairly and honestly with your personal preferences. Remember, there are diamonds living in the rough and the first seen ugly duckling grew up and became a beautiful swan. Fixers can turn into beautiful homes with just a little effort. Try to envision your changes with each property you preview.
Next, Step 6: Making an Offer
 | © John-Robin Middlebrook. Last updated July 2006.
|
| 
