Tips to Finding the Right Home

For some people finding the right home can be a difficult task. I am writing this blog to help alleviate some of the stress and frustration that can result. I have worked with several buyers in multiple price ranges from homes under 200,000 to homes over 700,000 and the task has been just as difficult. It can take days, weeks, and many hours driving around searching. At first looking at different homes is fun. After several days of it my buyers start getting tired and frustrated. The biggest tip I can give you to alleviate being stressed and frustrated is to determine what your wants and needs are. Begin by writing a list of what your home must have the right price=______________ ex. under 450,000 or between 250 and 350. the right size = _______ # bedrooms _____# bathrooms ______________ size in sq ft range (+/-)ex between 1500-2000 sq ft Location ______________ this can be city/town/county/ subdivision/waterfront or miles from work. Does the size of the lot matter? Do you want a home with little land to maintain or a lot? Do you have a preference to shingle, tile, or metal roof? Type of construction - Block, wood ____________ Flood Zone ________ (yes, no, either) Age of home ________ Does age matter if the home has been renovated and had all new updates (newer roof, kitchen, ac, etc). Fixer Upper _________ (yes or no) Some people don't mind a little TLC but do not want major repairs. Some will be flexible if the price is right. Share with your realtor what updates on home are necessary for you. Do you want to have to work on the home and customize to your taste or find one that is already ready. Maybe you would prefer to build new- find a lot and hire a builder. Your realtor can help with this as well. FYI- Building can take 6-9 months and permitting up to 3 months. Think about the location. There are many factors to consider. Distance from family, school or work. You work every day and this will effect you most. Cost of gas, wear and tear on vehicle, time at home, and or frustration of traffic. It's always nice to have a decent ride to work both distance, time and ease of travel. If you work at 3600 Beneva Rd maybe you want your home to be within 20 miles. If you take I75 to work and find the traffic easier coming from the east than the west then maybe you want your home within 5 miles east of I75. Share with your realtor what the perfect location would be. Understand that sometimes you cannot get what you want 100% so decide what is most important. Make a list of both must have's and things you may sway on. Is the pool or garage an absolute priority? If you get the home at the right price can you add the pool or garage later? How about a tub in the master bath? A home with all tile and no carpet? Is your price flexible? Sometimes getting everything you want may require going to a different price point. At first we try to get everything you want. When going to see homes take a notepad and write a list of what you like and do not like about each home. After seeing a few it can be difficult to remember which home had what. You may want to see on a second time. As you see more and more homes you may notice things that you didn't put on your list of must haves or things you may like to have. Update your realtor if you have changed your mind on anything or have come across new things. I have had buyers that say only send me listings of homes that have garages. So I search and send only homes with garages. I get a call or email I seen this home for sale and I would like to go see it. I look it up and it has a carport-NO garage. I say "Did you notice this home doesn't have a garage.?" Reply- Oh yes but we may be able to make it work by closing it in or something. I try really hard to find my buyers exactly what they want. Try to let me know where you may be flexible. You can reach me at 941-928-5094 My name is Sheila Allaire and I am with Exit King Realty with offices in Venice, Fl., Sarasota, FL., and Lakewood Ranch. I work in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties. I would love to help you find the right home or lot and answer any questions you have.