First-Time Buyer Steps Part 5

Home shopping:

When you go shopping, you're often picky. You squeeze, poke and prod your produce to make sure you're getting the right one. You won't buy jeans that make your butt look big, are too baggy or don't have the right boot cut. When you look at cars you know you want a certain gas mileage, color and options. But for some reason, when it comes to houses- people just want to look look look.

It's cool, I understand it. It's fun to see all the different houses, layouts, decorating, etc. That "fun" wears off quickly, however, on everyone. I find that it helps, significantly, to know what you want in a house. Do you need more than one full bathroom? Do you have a need for more than 3 bedrooms? Is a big backyard a priority with kids or pets? Do you need a "man cave" in a basement? There's a million questions you might have to fit your needs and your REALTOR can search for anything you need. For example: I know there are 45 homes on the market right now in my MLS fitting the needs of a minimum of 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, brick house on at least once acre with central air and a basement. If that was all your criteria- you'd be able to narrow down from there.

You've done your homework. You've picked the right REALTOR and lending needs to get you through the process. Know what you require in a house. It may be something as simple as 3 bedrooms and a 20 miles radius from your place of employment. It may be something totally off-the-wall it doesn't really matter. Knowing what you need to have will eliminate the showings for houses that don't meet those needs at all!