• Do I want a walkable downtown? • Do I want to be near parks, lakes, or hiking trails? • How important is access to shopping and dining? • What do I need for my commute or remote work? • Do I want a newer home or a historic one? • How important is a strong school district? • How much privacy do I want?
You cannot choose wisely until you know what you value most.
Step 2: Identify Your Financial Comfort Zone
This is not about how much you can qualify for. This is about how much you want to spend monthly. There is a big difference. When I talk to homeowners, they often know the maximum mortgage they can get approved for, but they do not know the maximum monthly cost they actually feel comfortable carrying.
Your financial comfort zone includes:
• Mortgage • Taxes • Insurance • Utilities • Maintenance • HOA fees if applicable
Find a monthly number that feels sustainable and realistic. You want to enjoy your home, not feel burdened by it.
Step 3: Compare Towns Side by Side
Choose 3 to 5 towns that interest you and create a simple comparison chart. You can write it on paper, in a Notes app, or use a spreadsheet if you enjoy numbers. It does not have to be fancy.
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