REAL ESTATE HOW TO FIND THE BEST HOUSE FOR YOUR NEEDS

Q: With thenewyearupon us, mypartner and I want to buy our fifirst home. Do you have any advice on howto fifind the best house at the best price? — Anne

A: There no such thing as “the best” house, there is only the best house for the two of you. As withmost things in life, proper preparationis the key. Get together and fifirst decide where you want to live. For example, if there are kids in the picture, a good school district is important but tends to raise prices, so you may want to avoid that area if schools are not a priority.

You should not feel stuck in the same neighborhood you live in now, unless you love it there. After this, you should eachmake a separate list of the five features of yournewhomethat aremost important to you. Your partner may prioritize a garage while you want a swimming pool.

Nowit’s time to fifind a real estate agent. Real estate is very local, and youwillwant an agentwho is experienced in the neighborhoods you are looking in. The internet can be an excellent resource for this, as can your local board of Realtors. Interview a few agents to fifind one that you mesh with and who has experience in the particular area you are looking for. Show your new agent the list of features you both want and ask to see homes that check offff most of the boxes.

Make sure to look at a variety of houses and give your favorites a second look beforemaking an offffffffffffer. Take your time and do not feel rushed. Keep your properties in mind and keep looking. The average buyer will look at 10 houses, but it’s OK if you fifind your dream home on the third look or the 30th. This is a situation where you will literally need to live with your decision.