So...you're looking for your dream home...here's some questions

You've decided to start looking for that home you have dreamed about for years. This is an exciting time! A home is one of the most important investments that people make. You want to make sure you make the right choice. Maybe it's time to start asking yourself some questions.


1. What do you want your home to be near?

Are you looking for a place close to work to cut down on your commute time? Or is there a certain neighborhood you are looking at? How about schools? If you have children, you are probably interested in school zones. Location is important. The perfect house is only the perfect home if it's in the right location.

2. How big do you want your home to be...and why?

Do you need a bedroom for each child? Are you going to want a guest room? How many bathrooms do you want in your house? Do you like large open spaces...or do you enjoy a cozier home? Have you thought about closets?

3. If you have to choose, what is more important: location or size?

If you are set on a certain area of town because it is so convenient, near all the important things, or maybe in a great school zone, there is a good chance other people are looking to buy in that area also. This makes the price of a home go up and many home owners have to give up size in order to stay in their budget. I have often heard it said that you can live with home imperfections IF you LOVE the neighborhood.

4. Are you interested in a fixer-upper?

Homes that are going to need some "work" can be bought at a cheaper price than one that has already been updated. And, you can add your own style to the home easier. But is time a problem for you? And do you want to deal with having to fix some things up in your new home?

And remember - NOT all fixer-upper repairs are equal! Easier fixes include patching wall, painting, replacing carpet, fixing broken windows, replacing doors, and adding trim. More expensive fixes include replacing the roof or HVAC system, foundation problems, kitchen and bathroom updates, and plumbing or electrical problems.

5. Would you be interested in a condo instead of a single-family home?

If you want to be in the heart of the city, condos are usually more prevalent. But, if you are willing to commute, you might find a single-family home for the same price a short distance away.

Privacy? If you are living in a condo, neighbors are close and there is usually not as much private outdoor space.

There are also usually more rules about things if you live in a condo. But the upside is that many condos include maintenance fees that cover things like exterior upkeep and landscaping. And condos are usually (but NOT always) more affordable than a house.

6. What features do you really have to have?

Maybe you live in a place where it gets really cold in the winter and it snows a lot like in Steamboat Springs. Obviously, having a garage or carport is important to you. If you have children or pets, maybe a fenced in back-yard is important. Do you work at home? Home offices are a sought out feature right now.

Let your real estate agent know what is really important to you in a home and why.

There's a lot to think about when deciding what home to purchase. Sometimes it can be almost too much to process. That's why you need a good REALTOR to help you make a good choice. And, a real estate agent usually finds out right when a home goes on the market, giving you a better chance to buy it.

If you are looking for a REALTOR in the Steamboat area...Give Me a Call, Y'all!

Joan Connelly - Your "Southern-Style" Steamboat Broker at Keller Williams Realty.

HANDYLINK TO JOAN'S WEBSITE