The Complete Guide to Choosing a Home: Everything to Know

The real estate market has experienced an unprecedented boom in recent years, with 744,000 homes sold during November 2021 alone.

Are you keen to join those who have committed to owning instead of renting? If so, you need to know what goes into choosing a home you’ll love for many years to come.

Here’s how to narrow down your options for homes wherever you are in the U.S.A.

Choosing a Home Based on Location

Unless you plan to check out from society and live like a hermit, you need a home that’s close to schools, stores, and your workplace.

That doesn’t mean you need to live in the thick of things. You can still enjoy a tranquil suburban lifestyle if you pick a home that allows for an easy commute to the things you require every day.

Look for homes located close to major roadways and public transportation options. It helps to a trial run along the route to work and school at different times of the day before buying a house.

Make a Checklist

Before you start house hunting, make a list of all the must-have features you want in a home. These include things like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor areas, and price range.

There’s a lot more to buying a home than lists and appearances. Let your gut guide you.

You might end up falling in love with a house you never thought you’d consider and end up living there happily ever after.

Work With a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents have access to a huge variety of homes to suit anyone’s needs. They can help you find homes for families, real estate for military personnel, and even investment properties.

They have the knowledge and experience to guide you seamlessly through this sometimes complicated process, helping reduce the stress and expense associated with this.

An expert realtor can help you find a home that suits your needs and is also likely to increase in value as time goes by.

Comparing Home Prices

While searching for homes, you’ll come across similar homes with wildly varying prices. That’s because location plays a huge role in determining home values.

Trends come and go when it comes to hot neighborhoods, so it’s possible to pick up a reasonably priced property in an up-and-coming area and sell it for much more later on.

Your real estate agent can guide you on this aspect, but you should always keep your wish list top of mind while shopping for a home.

Making a House a Home

Always keep the potential of a property in mind when choosing a home. A rule of thumb is to select the worst home in the best location and make it into something special.

Never discount an ugly home with good bones. There’s a lot you can do to improve its appearance and value.

Home renovations are a fun and rewarding pastime, that can bring financial gain, too. Browse my blog for all the best tips on home improvements to turn your new house into the home you’ve always wanted.