Buying Choices

Home Buyers

Do you want to simplify the process of shopping for a home?

Create a “Must-Have” List!

A “Must-Have” list, as the name implies, spells out exactly what you must have in order to be satisfied with a home. For example, if you must have four bedrooms to accommodate your family, place that item at the top of your list. If you must have two bathrooms to eliminate before school squabbles, include this on your list. Other must-haves might include easy access to major highways, airports, hospitals, or a grocery store within easy walking distance or a home with land to get away from it all.

Once you have created your list, you can then create a companion list of definite disqualifiers. (or a “Must-Not Have” List)

Perhaps you are adamantly opposed to a house with a pool because you would be terrified that your toddler would wander into it while you weren't looking. Or perhaps you are a shop-a-holic who has lived in an older home before and have sworn to never again live without walk-in closets. Maybe you have allergies and only want hardwood floors.

Keep both lists handy at all times during your house hunt and feel free to inform us of any items on your lists. When a house measures up to your “Must-Have” requirements, yet features several items from your list of automatic disqualifiers, you can abandon all thought of buying it.

Lists give you focus during what can be a confusing process.

Contact any of our agents today to begin looking for your dream home.

TIP : Existing vs. New Home

New home or previously owned? That is, perhaps, one of the first questions you may ask yourself in your home search process. Perhaps you've fantasized about purchasing a fixer-upper and giving it an extreme makeover. Or maybe you've always dreamed of building a home from the ground up.

Whatever your desire, talk to Realty Zone about which choice is best for you. We can help you consider your personality, lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences, as well as show you both new and existing homes that may be of interest to you. We'll share with you information on numerous builders and developments in the communities that interest you most.

You may already know why you should work with a Realtor® to help you find an existing home, but make sure you also learn more about why you need an agent for a new home purchase, too. Regardless of whether you choose a new or existing home, one thing is certain: home ownership remains a strong investment and home improvement a good re-investment of your financial resources.

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TIP: For First Time Home Buyer

Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home.
Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You'll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are out of your price range. With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. Pre-approval is usually free or the costs are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.