While no home is "perfect", you can still find the one that is just right for you.
I am not sure when it happened, but something has changed over my lifetime. In our quest for "everything perfect", we have become to expect that all should or will be. Don't get me wrong.
In fact, many know that after finding the perfect Bloody Mary, I am on a quest to find the perfect nacho.
Obviously a great goal, but somewhat unrealistic!
When looking for a home, one should understand that no home will be perfect. Homes are like people. All have their own personalities and little idiosyncrasies, and, just like people there are some things we can live with and some that we can't.
If you enter the house hunt thinking that you will find "the perfect home", you will never move. I don't care how much money you have or if you have designed the home yourself. There will always be something that one would change! See trade off's in a real estate purchase.
So, How do you decide?
Here are a few tips to help figure out what's perfect for you.
- Know what you can afford. Get pre approved. Be honest with the mortgage person. Believe me, there is nothing more disappointing that finding "the right" property only to find out it is out of your reach. What happens after that? Everything will pale in comparison.
- Be price point realistic. Many times there is some wiggle room in a price offering, but don't count on that! We have seen very recently, and in multiple situations, contract price being thousands over asking. What does this mean to you? Don't fall into the trap that the property is priced a certain percentage over asking. If you are looking at it, it should be in your price range. Looking at $400,000 homes when you can realisticaly purchase a home for $250,000 will just set you up for disappointment.
- Identify the features that you will NOT compromise on. Make sure those features fit in your budget. Are they realistic? I have had many clients that know that they would like a certain size and style home. They will not settle for less. That might mean we have to focus on different communities, and that's okay with them. Use the old Ben Franklin approach of pros and cons.
-
Have a time frame. This will help you zone in. If you give yourself years to find a home, you likely never will.
- Be Realistic when it comes to inspections. Every homeowner should own a hammer! Expect there to be some deficiencies in a home. Look at the big picture, act accordingly.
- Know what you can and can not do. How do I laugh when a female partner says "No Way" when her male half says, "no worries, I can handle that!" More than one lovely lady has said to me on the QT, " he sure can, but will never get to it!"
- Look Big Picture. Obviously life takes it's twists and turns, but do you anticiapte your needs changing in a few years?
- Have all decision makeers present on the house hunt! How disappointing when you think you have found "the one" just to have the other half come a day later only to feel differently,
and lastly,
- If the first house you see meets all your criteria.... Don't fight it. Don't think it's not right just because you haven't seen others. So many people have fallen in love with the first house they saw. Yours truly included!
Let me help you find your perfect home. How will I do that? I will do that by listening to your needs and using my experience and market knowledge to make the right match. Once we find that right home, I will guide you through the rest of the real estate process from inspection to closing.
Call me today to set up an interview.
______________________
About the Author
Carol-Ann Palmieri,
is a full time Real Estate professional in
Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have
helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places
to live.
A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA... is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities. She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.
Licensed in MA and RI...
Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
Her mission.... To exceed your expectations!
A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA... is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities. She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.
Licensed in MA and RI...
Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
Her mission.... To exceed your expectations!
Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group
508-494-9061
