Searching Strategically
Before we hop into the home search, I like to advise my clients to create a "Needs" list and a "Wants" list. This will help us to really focus on the things that are most important in your future home.
Needs are the non-negotiable features; the features you simply must have in your next home. Wants are the feature you’d like to have, but you can add or change down the road.
Don’t feel like your first draft has to be your final draft! Above all else, remember you can’t change the lot, the location, or the price you paid so spend a good amount of time thinking through those three before moving on.
Wants will look more like:
• Specific paint or exterior color
• Pool, jacuzzi, or other exterior water feature
• Fenced-in backyard
• Specific carpet, hardwood floors, or tile
• Kitchen amenities like countertops and appliances
• Walk-in shower or double bathroom vanity in master
Needs might be things like:
• Enough square footage for you and your family
• Sufficient bedrooms and bathrooms
• First floor master bedroom
• Close proximity to work and school
• Attached two-car garage
• Grassy yard for children's or pet's play area
Use this worksheet to help you work through the process!
Searching Strategically Online
Now that you’ve got your wants vs. needs list in hand, the fun really begins! It’s time to talk about narrowing down those listings and deciding which ones to see in person. First up, let’s talk about best practices for searching online. No doubt you know the sites (Realtor.com, Zillow, Redfin, Trulia), but how can you get the results you want? Try some of these tips.
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You don’t want to restrict your search so tightly that you only have a handful of homes to view. Keeping your wants vs. needs list in mind, expand your geographic search, and add 10-15K to your max price since homes may sell under asking.
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Online pictures can be deceiving so a virtual ‘walk down the street’ will give you a better sense of the house and surrounding area.
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Pending contracts do fall through, so keep it on your list especially if it checks all your boxes.
After you’ve found a few homes you like, jot down the MLS number and address. Shoot the list to me and I will call the listing agents to gather pertinent info and gauge the seller’s motivation. At this point, it’s time to look at the calendar and find a chunk of time to tour the homes on your shortlist. Carve out more time than you think you’ll need since you don’t want to be rushed if you find a home that may be “the one.”