For most people, the prospect of going to view homes they like is a thrilling experience. It’s tempting to think that this is the first step to buying a home, but it’s not. Assuming you have your down payment, mortgage preapproval, and other financial issues handled, the first thing you need to do before viewing any home is to determine what you’re looking for. • What is your criteria? • Do you need a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms? • Do you want a yard? Is a separate garden area necessary to your lifestyle? • Do you want property only in particular neighborhoods? • How much are you willing or able to spend? • Do you want carefree living in a condo/townhouse? • Do you have the skills, time, experience, and tools to maintain the yard and home structures? • Do you want to live in a cul de sac neighborhood or perhaps in the woods where there are no neighbors to be seen or heard? • How much storage do you need or want? Answering these questions will save you significant time and effort in running around to view homes that don’t suit you. Once you’ve decided upon your criteria, call your real estate agent. Let them know what you’re looking for and what your price range is. They will get to work on your behalf, shortlisting the properties that meet your criteria so you can start your viewing from there. Then comes the fun part: Finding that perfect home you’ve been dreaming of! 51
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