How To Find The Perfect Home
It’s time to find that perfect home!
You’re pumped, you’re excited, and you want to know how to make this house a reality.
But what is a “perfect” home? How do you find it? How do you know it when you see it?
Let’s be honest.
When I say “dream home”, you might be thinking about a 8,000 sq ft mega-mansion with 2 pools, but you live alone.
You might be dreaming of a 300 sq ft minimalist tiny home, but you always have 15+ friends and family over for the holidays.
So, first, let’s redefine what the “perfect home” is:
Your “perfect” home is a home that is perfect for you.
But how do I know what is perfect for me (beyond just having a front door and 1 bedroom) and when I know what’s perfect for me,
How do I find my perfect home?
Here’s how!
1. Know what you’re wanting
The best way to get started in finding your home is to dream, and dream big!
If you’ve spent years of dreaming about your dream home and hours on Pinterest looking at inspiration, sit down and take the time to compile all your dreams. Put them to paper in a list form. Be as specific as possible!
“master bedroom with private master bathroom, double vanities, and walk-in shower”
“1400+ square feet with fenced back yard for outdoor fire pit”
”In ______ school district with safe sidewalks”
Then prioritize by how important each feature is to you. It’s rare you’ll find a home that includes every single one of these, so a prioritized Dream List will help you narrow your search.
2. Know what you need
In the dreaming process, “Nice to have” and “Must have” can sometimes get confused.
That’s why it’s important to make a second list: a Non-Negotiable List.
To prepare your Non-Negotiable List: Consider your current lifestyle and make a list of home features that will work best for you.
-Do you have pets? (Must have: Fenced back yard)
-Do you work from home? (Must have: Quiet room for home office, solid WiFi)
-Do you commute to work? (Must have: Under 40 miles from downtown, easy freeway access)
-Do you need an accessible home? (Must have: Single-story home, with accessible interior features)
3. Planning for the future
Life can be unpredictable. But if there is something in your near future you are wanting, don’t forget to factor that into your dream home!
If you are single or newlywed, you might love a smaller home to start with. But if you are planning on having a family soon or if you work from home, you need to factor in extra living space.
If you want a pet, or if you want to have many friends and family over for holidays, these are also things to consider in your search!
3. Know your finances
Dreams sometimes come with a budget. Look at your current monthly budget, know what you can really afford, and look for a house within that range.
If you already know what you are willing to spend, you will only be looking at things that are within that price range; painting a reality of what that budget can afford.
This is where having a Dream List and Non-Negotiable List comes in handy! The next home you visit might not have granite countertops, but it has a fenced yard. Or perhaps it has a pool, but it doesn’t have enough garage space.
By knowing your budget, you can allow lower-priority Wants go so that you can have your Non-Negotiables without feeling like you’re settling.
4. Research homes and neighborhoods
This will give you a good head start before visiting prospective homes! Look at current homes like the ones your looking for, so you know what to expect as far as square footage or cost.
But don’t get sucked in or turned off by just the photos online. Never let the appeal distract from the real! Always visit your prospective dream homes. Some houses are roomier in person, some are more cramped. Maybe the house needs some work, but it feels like your home the moment you see it.
When visiting, don’t forget to check out the neighborhood! Are there coffee shops nearby to walk to, are there local parks to take your puppy, or are there safe sidewalks for your morning jog? Take into account your daily lifestyle.
If you find a house style or a neighborhood you like, let your realtor know! They’ll use that information to assist you in finding the best home in the best location for you!
And finally:
5. Look and look again
It might take some time to find the perfect home for you. All the research and direction will help you get there faster, but be prepared to search around for your dream home. There will be times you just want to give up and settle. But don’t quit yet!
Remember to stay flexible. This is why I recommend prioritizing your Dream List. Sometimes, there’s something you’ll have to let go, if the property has everything else you’ve ever wanted. Refer to Granite Eyes if you’re letting your Wants dictate your Non-negotiables!
You deserve to find a home that works for you. And you can. Start by focusing on the features your dream home needs to be a perfect fit.
Just remember:
Your “perfect” home is a home that is perfect for you.
The next step is to not just dream it, but start the process! Why wait?
Are you looking for your dream home?
Send me an email or give me a call, let's make a plan, and go after it!
-Phillip Bachelder, Realtor #PBRealty
Office: (615) 773-6099
Cell: (615) 243-0228
phillipbachelder@gmail.com