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 How To Choose Your Home
Information and tips on buying a home in Columbus and Central Ohio.
Choosing a home is usually a two-step process. - The first step is to determine the type of house with the desired features in the locations that will work, within a certain price range. You are not looking for the house yet. You are narrowing down your options and determining the kind of house you would most like to live in.
- The next step is to search for the house that will become your new home.
Some Buyers know exactly what they want, and the area they want to live in. Others need lots of help to find the right home and to determine the exact price range and neighborhood. However, there are always some constants for Buyers: - Timing. Proper planning can minimize your headaches. Especially if you have a home to sell. Don't look for the house until you are ready, willing and able to buy. Work with your agent to review your options.
- No matter what the price range, everyone compromises on at least some element of the house. Be ready for this in advance. If you look at enough homes you will probably end up saying "If I could have that house with the other kitchen on a different lot...". When a particular house grabs your attention, then you will be more willing to compromise.
- When looking, view multiple homes if possible. Comparing several houses at once will:
- Quickly educate you about the local market.
- Give you a good sense of how homes are valued.
- Inform you about the supply of available homes, which can greatly affect price.
If you are not sure about the exact area and type of home you are looking for, then your Agent should be asking you the following questions: - How much do you want to spend on a mortgage and other costs per month ? You may not know how much the home you want will cost, but every Buyer knows a rough range of payments they are comforable with. The availability and the compromises you make in the home will determine the final purchase range for you.
- Are schools important to you ? Do you know what school district you want to be in and if so which school in that district do you prefer? If you have several districts to choose from your Agent will have to educate you about your housing options within each of those districts.
- How far from work do you want to be ?
- Do you prefer an older home in an established area or a new home in a new subdivision ?
- How much of a loan do you qualify for and what is the range of down payment that you are comfortable with ?
- Do you have a certain type of home that you are especially interested in ?
- Are you interested in fixing up a home? How much decorating and remodeling will you do ?
As you answer these questions, your Buyer's Agent will be able to piece it all together and start to narrow down the price range and areas for you to look at. You will then find it easier to look once you have narrowed your options.
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