Getting Started: Organize Your House Hunting

Now that you’ve taken the first steps toward purchasing your first home by choosing a buyer’s agent that you are comfortable with and working through the finances to determine what you can afford (and have been preapproved for a loan), it is time to sit down and set your priorities.

Before you begin house hunting, make a list of your needs and your wants. Your needs are what you absolutely must have. Wants are things that would be nice, but you can do without.

To get you started, here are a few things to consider:

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Single family home or condo
• Architectural style
• One floor, split level, or multiple stories
• Master suite, walk in closet, master bath
• Formal dining room
• Family room, den, media room
• Kitchen size, counter and cupboard space, appliance style
• Storage space
• Garage
• Size of yard
• Pool

You’ll also want to give some serious thought to location and how your new home will fit into your lifestyle.

• Urban, suburban, or rural
• Schools
• Commutability (access to roadways and/or public transportation)
• Walkability
• Recreational opportunities
• Services including groceries, gas, doctor/dentist offices

Once you’ve got your priorities established, your buyer’s agent will be able to research homes in your targeted areas for active listings that fit the bill. Your realtor might also have some suggestions or advice that will help you achieve the lifestyle you want within your budget. 

Stay tuned for house hunting tips once the search has begun! In the meantime, if you are a first time homebuyer in Marin County, sign up for Marin Modern Real Estate’s special workshop. It’s happening next weekend (January 31, 2016) in San Rafael. To register – or for more details – visit Marin First Time Home Buyer Seminar.

Whether you are looking for an Eichler or traditional home, we'd love to help you zero in on the home of your dreams.  Give me a call at 1-415-EICHLER or contact us via the web on our handy contact page.