Exclusive Buyer

STEP 6: CHOOSE A HOME DESIGN When you’ve determined such items as price range, needs vs. wants, and location, don’t forget to add home design to the list. I’m not talking about interior design or décor, which are all things that can be modified, upgraded, or even completely renovated in time. Rather, I’m talking about the type of home— such as a condo, a townhouse, a bungalow, a two-story home, etc., as well as big-ticket items like a garage, yard, basement (finished or unfinished), dining room, staircases, where the bathrooms are located in relation to the bedrooms, etc. In other words, how was the home architecturally designed? Perhaps you’re a first-time home buyer who’s single, and you’re looking for a condo in a multi-story building where you’ll meet plenty of people. Or perhaps you and your partner have outgrown your smaller starter home, and you need to upgrade to a larger home with three bedrooms in close proximity to a bathroom, and perhaps on a second story, with the kitchen and living room on the main floor. Design matters! You need to determine the right type of home design that meets your needs and those of your family, if applicable. STEP 7: HIRE AN AGENT This step has been mentioned many times throughout this book so far, but it bears repeating. I’ve dedicated an entire chapter to why it’s important to have a professional buyer’s agent working alongside you throughout the entire home- search and home-buying process (Chapter 2). Sure, there are success stories of buyers who’ve managed to find a good home at a good price without the services of a professional real estate agent — more with veteran buyers