Purchasing Guide

While interviewing potential real estate agents for their real estate services, you will probably be asked a lot of questions about the type of home you're looking for, the price range, the neighborhoods you would like to look in, and what your timeline is.  Take time to discuss what you and your family needs from your new home.  Reflect on those discussions and write down as many details as you can about the home and how you would like to purchase it.  

Here are some questions to answer: 

• What neighborhoods would you prefer? Or, what would you like to live close to?  Work? Water? Mountains? All of the above? Urban, suburban, or rural?
• What is your home price range? 
• What rooms do your family spend the most time in?  What are you spending your time doing in those rooms?
• What home features would you like?  What are the home features you cannot live without?
• How much square footage of home do you need?  How large of acreage do you need for your lot? 
• Do you need a shed?  A detached alternative dwelling unit? A barn?  What features of the property can you grow with? 
• What type of flooring do you like best?
• What kind of kitchen would you prefer? Do you have a preference for counter tops or cabinetry? 
• Do you spend more time outside or inside?  Do you prefer privacy or do you like being close to your neighbors? 

These are just a handful of questions you should answer for yourself and your family before starting the process of choosing a home.  This list will help you see what your wishes and your dealbreakers are for a home and will save you time and prevent miscommunication with your real estate broker.  When you are clear on your needs and wants, you know which homes to look at and which homes you can skip.  Conversations with your real estate broker may assist you in knowing further questions to answer before starting to look at homes.