We want to fall in love with the home we buy. Between the money it will cost and the years we’ll live there, and the overall investment of maintaining the home, how could we be anything but in love?
That is an ideal situation! Loving the home and having no doubt about it whatsoever. Home buying would be much easier if you walked into a house or condo and said, “this is it!” without hesitation.
But the reality is that it is not quite that simple. Many people fall in love with their homes, but it usually takes a little longer than the first showing. Too many factors are involved in choosing the right home to make it such a fast decision. And as much as it may pain you, there are many practical factors you must consider before making your offer to purchase.
First, it is easy to find a home you’ll love on the inside if you haven’t considered the location. You have your budget, and you can get more or less in a house or condo depending on a location. Different neighborhoods have different options and will meet different needs, and the location of a home is something you’ll never be able to change. The old real estate agent’s saying, “location, location, location,” being the three most important things to consider in home buying still ring true.
Don’t fall into the trap that you see something amazing in an area you won’t enjoy because the cost of the homes is lower. If the neighborhood does not serve your needs, such as commuting and schools, walk away.
Second, don’t fall in love with the finishes on a home. It may have a gorgeous kitchen with the uba-tuba you love, but what about the rest of the house? You can always buy granite, but if the structure of the home is poor, or if the condo association is bankrupt, move on. Besides, sometimes finishes look great because they are new, but are not necessarily great quality. Be sure not to pay a premium for something that merely looks nice.
Third, when you look out the window, and see the beautiful green lawn, does your heart skip a beat? Do you fantasize about running around with a dog and barbequeing in the summer? Does the landscaping work fit into that fantacy? If so, great! If not, well, remember that a big yard requires labor and money. If you can’t maintain the land, then you’ll end up disliking it.
If you are in a situation in which you have fallen in love with a home, that is wonderful. But please discuss the pros and cons of the home regardless. You may need to dig for the negatives, but even the best home will not be perfect. If your real estate agent does not encourage you to look at the negative aspects of a home, then you it may be time to find someone else!
Have you fallen in love with a home? Did you ever get carried away with excitement over a house or condo?