Buyers are liars is a phrase that many real estate salespeople have heard during their career. It has been popularized in sales, and it refers to those buyers who say they want one thing but end up buying something different.
I can’t tell you how many times, I have worked with home buyers who think they want one thing then change their mind to buy a home that they declared they would never live in.
Before buying a home or any other large investment you need to put a good amount of thought into what you really prefer in a home. Ok, I know what you’re thinking! That’s common sense. Who buys a home without giving it some though? Many people believe they know what they want but when it comes down to it. They really don’t.
As you think about the different aspects of a home, try to decide which wants are deal-breakers, and which are not. If you haven’t already, you should determine how much home you can afford and what kind of area you’d like to live in (including neighborhood and school district) before you start seriously looking at houses.
You should have a good idea of what size house you want. Not just the number of bedrooms, but how much square footage is needed. You can find a nice three bedroom home that is 1400 square feet, or a three bedroom that is 2100 square feet. One home might feel too small or too large depending on your preference. Take note of home sizes of friends and family, this will help you to have a better feel for what you prefer.
What size house you should buy will depend on your needs and your financial budget.
Next, think about yard size. You may have a green thumb and you can’t wait to start your personal garden. Or the very idea of yard work is making your skin crawl. No matter what you prefer think about what you would like to see in your front and back yard.
Your home’s Curb appeal is the first impression visitors notice. So give to thought to if you prefer brick, wood, vinyl siding, or stucco. Don’t get caught up in finding the perfect interior to a point that you forget about the importance of an inviting exterior.
Many buyers have a good handle on how many bedrooms they need. The number of bedrooms you needs will depend on what you plan on using them for. Some aspects that don’t get much attention, are closet size, sources of natural light, views from the bedroom windows, and privacy.
You will be spending a good amount of time in your living room, so give some thought to if you prefer a cozy feel, or something more modern? Think about if you will be moving your existing furniture, or purchasing new?
Of course, everyone is allowed to change their mind, so don’t be a poor planner. Plan ahead!
By R. Jones
