To get a good idea of what you’re getting into, view the home at least twice, preferably at two different times of day - for example, on a weekday morning and then again on a weekend evening. For example, you might have viewed a home on a weekday morning when all was quiet only to find the neighborhood is too loud at night. Both a home and a neighborhood can look completely different at different times of the day. Once you think you’ve found a home you want to make an offer on, take a second look. With a little TLC, this will be the home you will grow to love. So look for a well-built home that has the space you need, some features you love, a layout that serves your lifestyle and a price point that allows you to make some changes.
#UNLOX YOUR DREAMS VEGAN UPGRADE#
Linoleum floors, a shade of paint you hate in the bedroom, or some kitchen cabinets that need updating are all things you can upgrade to fit your style. The key is looking past the exterior cosmetic blemishes to the home’s bones. But that doesn’t mean it can’t become your perfect home. In fact, the house might have a few things you don’t like. Unless you get really lucky, the homes you view probably won’t have every single thing on your wish list. While you don’t want to overdo it and buy a five-bedroom home when you’re single, be sure to give yourself some room to grow.
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Think you might start working remotely? You’ll want that home office. If you’re planning on having kids, you may need an extra bedroom or two. Doing so can help you pay down the mortgage and build equity.įor a house to be your perfect home, it will have to grow with you. Ideally, you should plan on staying in your new home for the next five to seven years (or longer). When you’re ready to look for homes, consider what works best for you now - and what will work best for you in the future. Sticking to these guidelines can help make sure you can comfortably afford your home. Under those guidelines, your monthly housing expenses should not exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income, while all your monthly expenses - including housing costs, car payments or student loans - should not exceed 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Instead, many experts recommend adopting the 28/36 rule. Taking on a mortgage bigger than you can comfortably afford can quickly sour the feeling of true love for your new home. Once you get pre-approved and know what you’re likely to qualify for, it can be tempting to start looking for homes at the top of your price range, but that doesn’t always make sense. Finally, tally the funds you have available for a down payment and closing costs. Gather proof of income in the form of W2s and paystubs. Order your credit report and credit score to see where you stand (and where you can make improvements by correcting errors or paying your bills on time). Getting your finances in order first will make things go smoothly. It can be a daunting process for homebuyers, but it doesn’t have to be. Know your financesīefore you start looking for homes, it helps to get pre-approved. Spending a weekend driving or walking around several areas can give you a real feel for the place you might call home one day.
#UNLOX YOUR DREAMS VEGAN OFFLINE#
Take your research offline and visit areas in person too, especially if you’re relocating. Peruse online real estate listings to get an idea of the styles available in the area, check out a neighborhood’s walkability score and browse review sites like Yelp to see where you might get your late-night Chinese delivery fix. To find your perfect fit, start by doing some research. You may know you want to live uptown, downtown or out in the country, but neighborhoods can vary greatly, even in the same area. Condos often come with condo associations that handle a lot of the outside maintenance for you, but a condo might not have the green space you need for your family, and you’ll pay monthly dues to the association.
#UNLOX YOUR DREAMS VEGAN FULL#
But single-family homes also mean more weekends full of maintenance projects. Single-family homes offer more privacy and freedom, which can be great if you have kids or pets who need a yard to run around in.
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While you might love craftsman homes or the sleek look of a modern kitchen in a penthouse apartment, you’ll be happiest if you consider what type of home will work best for you. A bit of planning and some legwork can get you into the home that fits you. Thankfully, finding the perfect home is a lot easier than finding the perfect partner. And when you find your dream home, you’ll always have the perfect place to unwind and make memories. It might take a while, but when you find the one, you know you’ll always have the support of someone who just gets you. This Valentine’s season, we’re helping customers fall in love with their homes all over again.įinding your dream home is a lot like finding the perfect partner. This is part 3 of our 4 part #LoveWhereYouLive series.