How to Find Your Dream Home Within Your Budget

Imagine what your new home is going to look like. Fabulous cherry cabinets with granite countertops, an open floor plan, a large master bedroom with an amazing en suite bath. It’s time to get your head out of the clouds if you are a first-time buyer. Your home is definitely going to be special to you, but it probably won’t have everything you are looking for.

Get Real

What you have to remember is that when you are starting out, you won’t be able to afford everything you want. The goal is to find a starter home that has most of what you want and all of what you need. You can always move up later on.

Know What Matters

Figure out what really matters to you. It may not be the same thing as what is important to other people. This also means figuring out what you can live without. You may discover that you could be happy in a condo instead of a detached house. A condo is often less expensive while giving you the features that you love.

On the other hand, having a yard may be more important so you will settle for basic features inside. It’s all about compromise when you are buying your starter home, and you have to know what things are right to compromise on.

Consider an Older Home

While many people like the thought of moving into a brand new house that no one has lived in, you can get more for your money if you look at older homes. If you are willing to work with a fixer, you may even get a better deal. You can work on making it what you want over time and add value to the property. It is often a smart decision if you can live with a house the way it is now and see its potential.

Be Willing to Move

From your desired location, that is. Some neighborhoods are more expensive than others. If you do not want to sacrifice on the house you want, you may have to be willing to compromise on location. In some areas, you can barely get a 1,000-square foot house for a decent price. Move a few miles away and you can find a sprawling home with plenty of room and the latest upgrades for the same price.

In the end, it’s all about compromise and knowing what will make you happy and what you can live without. Be prepared to make some changes in your mind as you search for the dream home you want. If you are ready to begin that journey, contact me. I can help you start your search for the home that is right for you.