Get Clear on Needs vs. Wants.

Buying a home can bring many emotions mostly excitement but planning ahead and knowing what you want is key to making the experience less stressful! It’s tempting to think your first home is your forever home, but the truth is, it likely isn’t. So don’t feel like you need the perfect home right off the bat, because you can always upgrade later. For now, you just need a house to fit your current season of life.

Sit down and list out the three to five things your house absolutely must have, focusing on the true non-negotiables. For example, maybe you need to live close enough to commute to work every day, or maybe your pets need a fence.

Then, write down a few “wants” that could be the cherry on top of your first home. A swimming pool? Granite countertops? Enough bedrooms so your kids don’t have to share? It’s up to you!

Just know that you probably won’t be able to get them all, and make sure to share your list with your real estate agent.

Okay, you’ve got your shopping list in hand, so now it’s time to do some research and find your first home. Here’s what to keep in mind as you start your search:

• Get ideas online. Find homes you like online and send them to your real estate agent so they get an even better idea of what you’re looking for.
• Research neighborhoods for the best fit. Instead of running around the whole city looking for a house, narrow down your search to just a few areas. Remember, real estate prices are all about location, location, location. Look into crime rates and the quality of schools.
• Think long term. Like I said, you probably won’t live in your first home forever, so make sure to buy one you can resell down the road. Buy in your neighborhood’s lower price range and learn about the local economy. Are home prices rising or falling? Are businesses booming or closing?
• Be patient. Finding the right house takes time. More than likely, you’ll look at several houses and make several offers. That’s just part of the process. So be patient and proud of the fact that you’re willing to wait for the right house—not settle for the wrong one. Source