Before Buying a Home, Know What you Want vs. Need

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Pinterest and home renovating shows give us #HomeGoals and #HomeEnvy and lists and lists of things that we can picture in our own homes. Like the completely renovated, classic all-white kitchen with farmhouse sink and two ovens. Or the in-home theater room complete with surround sound and blackout curtains. Determining which of these things is a must have versus something you could change later will help you get into your dream home sooner.

The first step to help you make these decisions when buying a home is getting pre-approved by your Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation Loan Officer. They can to tell you how much you can afford when buying a home so you can determine the homes and amenities that work in your budget. Let’s say that you are looking at two potential homes but one is $100,000 more. Your budget will let you know which home can become reality.

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Next, list all the features of a home that you would like and then break them up in the following categories:

  • Must Have – these are a core list of items that you have to have in a home. Your “needs” in other words. Examples could be: close to work, four bedrooms/five bathrooms or an open floor plan. This list will help in picking out a home if a property does not check off this list; take it out of the running.
  • Should Have – these are features of a home that you would prefer but are not deal breakers. Examples could be: a fireplace, fenced-in yard or granite countertops. A potential property should hit some of these, but it does not need to have all of these features.
  • Wish List – these are features that you do not NEED but that you WANT. This could be anything from a fully decked-out man cave to an indoor swimming pool. If you find a home with these features but not your must haves, it is time to move on.

Having these lists written on paper will help you narrow your inquiry, saving you a lot of time and frustration. Searching for a home is easier than ever with Shorewest.com. Our enhanced website provides unparalleled access to homes by interactive map, MLS number, school district and more. With all of these endless options it is important to know what you are looking for when you start your home search. Your Shorewest, REALTOR® will also help you and can make sure that the homes you see check off the right boxes!

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Categories: First Time Home Buyers, Home Buying, How to, Real Estate Tips, Shorewest Tips

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