Choosing A Home Location, location, location! Before you begin looking at homes, it’s important to choose a location that makes sense for your lifestyle now and in the future. When you are narrowing your location, consider the following: • Commute time to and from work • Quality of school districts if you have a family or are planning to start a family • Access to local shopping & businesses • Crime rates • Noise & traffic
Property taxes Property taxes are another important consideration when choosing a home location. High property tax rates can make a big impact on your monthly mortgage payments. Historical tax records for properties can be found online and should be included in your budget when shopping for homes.
Amenities Higher tax rates in local communities are often used to fund improvements to public amenities, like parks, trails, schools, and rescue resources. If these amenities are important to you and your family, the tax premium may be worth the monthly cost.
Home Features Once you have decided on your location, it’s time to start thinking about the features you’d like in your home. Your home “must-haves” list will vary depending on you & your family’s needs, but some features to consider are: • What home type is best for you– single family, condo, or townhome? • How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need now and in the future? • What size garage do you need and how many stalls would you like? • Do you want an outdoor gathering space for entertaining? • Do you want a move-in-ready house or a fixer-upper that you can make your own? If you decide to purchase a fixer-upper, remember to add the cost for repairs and remodeling improvements into your monthly budget. Once your “must-have” list is created, share it with your realtor. They will use your list to help you find the perfect home for you & your family.
HOME BUYER’S GUIDE
16
