Since the number of homes for sale is low and buyer demand is high this means it's time to make a plan. For buyers, expect competition, be ready to move fast, and be prepared to submit your strongest offer. It can feel challenging to find a home that checks all of your boxes, if you know what features are absolutely essential in your next home and which ones are nice bonuses, you can land a home that fits your needs.
So how do you go about creating your list of desired features? The first step is to get pre-approved for your mortgage. Preapproval will help you better understand your budget, and that plays an important role in how you’ll craft your list.
Once you have a good grasp of your budget, you can begin your list!
Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle ( examples: distance to work, remote office workspace, location to your loved ones, number of beds/ baths)
Nice- To- Haves- These are features that you would love to have, but can live without. These aren’t deal-breakers.
Dream State- This is where you can really think big! These don't feature your need, but if you found these in your budget, it will be a clear winner (examples: farmhouse sink, walk-in closets)
Once you create your list in a way that works for you, discuss it with your real estate advisor, they will help you refine your list further, and coach you through the process. Crafting this list may seem like a small task, but it can save you time and money and will help you be successful in today's market.
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