Making a home purchase can be a lot of fun. Checking out floor plans, decor, mentally moving your furniture in, dreaming about day to day activities in your home, it's awesome! It can also be stressful, confusing, and tiresome, if you do not have some basic goals in mind when you start your search.
Goals evolve as you go through the process and as a new ideas are introduced. Understanding your basic motivators will keep you focused on what it is important to you, saving you time and money. What might be your goals for your new home? Location, location, location? Not everyone's goal fits so nicely into this popular response. Consider some of these points in your preparation by discussing them as a family.
Location
Proximity to your major activities like work, school, church, shopping, etc. How much time will you spend commuting?
Crime
Consider reviewing local crime statistics to determine the safety for your family. Know the challenges of the area so that you have a plan on how to engage the neighborhood to make it a better place to live.
School Quality
This is a big motivator for families with children. Nevertheless, school quality has an impact on home values for everyone, but may not be the deciding factor for those seeking other kinds of connections within the community.
Family Relationships
There are many philosophies out there, knowing yours and how you intend to interact in your home may help you choose a floor plan. Smaller bedrooms may encourage family members to congregate in the family room so a great room floor plan may be appealing. Large bedrooms may encourage inward reflection, a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle or a place to read. Picture how your family will interact in each room, garage, and yard.
Lifestyle
Are you a homebody or a adventurist? Is your home an overnight station while you go adventuring during the day or is it a retreat where you might spend your vacation? How you use your home may influence how large you want it to be and what amenities it should have.
Budget
House poor or house rich? It is a matter of perspective. It depends on how you want to spend your time and lifestyle. Generally, 1/3 of your income is spent on your housing needs, but this can stretch upwards considerably.
Connection With the Outdoors
For some this is important while others not so much. How does it make you feel when you look at a majestic mountain, view a calm lake or observe nature or wildlife? Consider, how you might feel grilling your favorite meats and veggies, enjoying a warm summer night in the yard with family, or with guests on a patio or deck?
Buying a home is an exciting time! Having a family discussion and deciding what your goals are will help you stay focused on what is important to you. Consider sharing your goals with your agent. They may even find a home that meets several of your important goals and maybe a couple nice surprises.