Five tips to finding the right home for you.

A home must be the best suited location and have the features that meet your unique needs.  Keep in mind - you can almost always make changes to your home features, but it is unlikely you can change the location (without moving again!).  
 

1.  Location - distance

Distance is an important aspect of finding the right location.  Increases in mileage will result in additional costs, such as gas, tolls and vehicle maintenance.  Increased distance will also add time to your commute.  What is the distance to your main destinations?  Will the new home be closer to work, school, shopping, church, and your current medical practitioners?    It is advisable to travel to and from any proposed homes at the time you would be commuting.  This will allow you to better estimate the travel time, especially during rush hour, to see if the distance is right for you.

2.  Location -  Neighborhood

The community is another important aspect of location.  Does the community have deed restrictions that impede future plans you may have?  Is it a high traffic area that may present safety issues for children and pets?  Is there a playground, walking path, sidewalks or shared land for outdoor activities?  Is there an active civic association to assist with community questions, issues and block parties?  Your Realtor can be an excellent resource to help find out more about any neighborhoods you are considering.  A drive through the area is advisable during various times of day prior to purchasing a home to be sure it is a community that you are comfortable with.

 3.  Location - Lot Features

Once you have narrowed the search to a community, there are other considerations for the location of home.  Does the lot offer the level of privacy you may prefer?  Is there enough shade from trees or enough sun for a garden?  Is the landscaping matched to the amount of time you will be able to allocate to maintenance?   Does the sunrise and set in rooms that would be ideal for you?

4.  Home Features

As a basis, you should complete the list of desired features and determine which features you must have, and which features would be nice to have.  This list will serve well for your online search as well as provide a checklist while touring homes.  Next you can evaluate which features can be added later versus which features need to part of the structure.  If you prefer a home with a large kitchen and open concept, it may be best to find a home that features that design rather than costly renovations later.  There are some features that can be more conveniently added later, such as carpet, a fence, a deck or energy efficient appliances. 

5.  Financinal Fit -  An important consideration to deciding which features you must have will depend on your budget and cash-flow.  Taking the next step of homeownership may be an increase in living expenses.  Consider your total cost including insurance, taxes,utilities and maintenance.  If you expect your budget to be tight, it would be advisable to ensure you have good working major systems, such as heating, roofing, plumbing and electric.  Low maintenance exterior and energy efficient features would also be helpful.  Consider that larger homes and homes with less insulation will be more costly to heat/cool.  Be sure the home you are buying is a good "financial fit" for your monthly housing budget.  Be careful about sacrificing on features that would be costly for repair or replacement unless you expect to have funds set aside for such expenses.  

Start your home search now!  
                                                            

There are many considerations to finding the best home to suit your unique preferences.  Your Realtor can design custom searches to keep you informed when homes meeting those needs are new to the real estate market.  Sign-up now!  

Bonus Worksheet Available:  Buyer Wants and Needs Checklist

When getting your home ready to sell, there is so much to be done.  The last thing you want to do is to spend time removing wallpaper.

But the very same reason you do not want to do it is the same reason you should!  Most buyers dread the thought of having to remove wallpaper among so many other moving related tasks.  Many buyers are relocating, so for them, its not just about the house.  There are jobs, schools, medical, vehicles and so many more considerations and items that will require their time and attention.  

Did you know that when viewing homes online, a home with outdated wallpaper may not ever make it the the list of homes to see in person?  Buyers may never have an opportunity to see what a beautiful and well maintained home you have in person.  

The most common objection from sellers I hear is that "its not a big deal", "the buyer can do it", and we'll "offer a credit".  For the buyer that decides not to tour your home due to the wallpaper, there will be no credit, because there will be no offer!  

Stay tuned for more selling tips from Kathy Blakey, REALTOR®

When you are first getting started on your home search use this buyers checklist.   You will have plenty of options of where to live and what style home to buy. Buying a home is a major decision.  If you know what features you must have, it will help you narrow the search.

1.  School districts and feeder patterns

(For more, visit "Schools" page on this site).

2.  Is there a particular neighborhood or area that you prefer?

3.  How close do you need to be to shopping districts, work, places of worship?

4.  Do you need to be close to public transportation.

(For more, visit "Transportation" on this site).

5.  Do you prefer a new home or an older home.  If you prefer an older home, do you have the means to provide repairs and renovation?

6.  Do you need a fenced yard for pets?

7.  What type of heating do you prefer? (Oil, Gas, Electric)

8.  Consider your lifestyle.  Do you need to be close to parks, exercise facilities?

9.  Do you do want to home that is in a community with associations or deed restrictions?

10.  What style is best for you?  Single Family Detached or Townhome?

Once you have all your questions answered about where to live, a custom search can be created.  Working with your Realtor is very valuable so you can be sure you receive updates. Once a search is defined, you can be among the first to know when that perfect home becomes available.

Buyer Consultation

Schedule time to discuss the home buying process

>>Contact Kathy Blakey, REALTOR

Home Search

Listings in New Castle County Delaware, including Newark and Pike Creek

>>Search homes for sale

What features do I need or want?

After selecting a location, next you it’s best to narrow your search further.  Decide what features are most important to you and your family. As you search for homes, you may find that you are willing to give up certain features you want to get others that you need.  Having a clear idea of what is most important will help. You may find a great home that seems to be fantastic, but once you look back at your must have list, you may realize it’s missing some important items.  Or you might find a home that has everything you need and most of what you want. Our goal is to find a home that meets as many needs and wants as possible!

Introducing the Keeping it REAL series ! 

Whether buying, selling or just looking for great home related tips, stay tuned for "Keeping it Real"!.

COMING SOON:

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel - tips on buying, selling and green living.

KEEPING IN REAL IN REAL ESTATE ... COMING SOON TO YOUTUBE - stay tuned for the premier.

Subscribe Now:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsVhN8Cgc7aknv7z8gmh0rg