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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Key Things to Consider When Buying Your First Home

By Alexandria P. Anderson

When you've made the important decision to stop renting and buy your own home, you'll need a plan to get started on your search. While most real estate agents can advise and guide you through the home buying process, identifying exactly what you want and being clear about what you'll settle for - and won't settle for - will help you make the best decision for your long-term home investment.

You can get lost in the sea of choices presented by the home buying process. Choices require decisions: Where should I live? What type of home is best for my family? How big should my home be? All these decisions can overwhelm you but these can be managed easily by being as clear as possible about your wants and needs. Develop your own guideline for your ideal home to simplify the homebuying process. Below are some questions and issues to consider in creating your guideline.

1. What are the essential amenities you're looking for? Think about fireplaces, swimming pools and kitchen appliances that you want to have in your new home. Prioritize these so you can simply say 'no' to a prospective home if it doesn't meet the basic amenities criteria. Be as specific as possible with this section so you can narrow down the hundreds of options available.

2. Be specific about your location. Author Ilyce Glink of '100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask' explains that location is one of the most important factors when considering different homes. You'll need to think about where you will be located in relation to schools, places of worship, shopping venues and even your friends and family. Your final location will determine how much you may need to drive each day - and if it's worth the extra effort.

3. How big do you want your home to be? The size of your home will largely depend on your family's needs. If you expect your family to grow in the near future, you may want to buy a bigger space to accommodate your family for the next three to five years.

4. Are you willing to spend on home renovations? Some homes might have the perfect size and the perfect location but are not in any condition to house your family. How much are you willing to spend in renovating the home? Being specific about this area will help you save time as you exclude some houses from your search.

5. Will safety and security be an issue for you? If you have small children or are living alone, safety and security may be a top priority. Ask yourself what you will need in order to feel safe in the new neighborhood so you can eliminate homes that don't meet the criteria.

Remember to put in some effort in clarifying your home preferences and goals in life. This exercise can simplify the home buying process and will help you feel comfortable with your purchase in the long-run. - 23226

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