market access, which can either increase or decrease the value of the property. Finally, really picture yourself and your family both inside the home and outside it, in the area. Can you see yourselves living there? Do you get a positive vibe, or a negative vibe? These are all things to consider when choosing a location. Step 5: 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? Design matters! You need to determine the right type of home design that meets your needs and those of your family, if applicable. Step 6: Hire an Agent This step has been mentioned many times throughout this book, but it bears repeating. 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, but these
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