Congratulations! You and your family have decided that it’s time to reach a new milestone: the search for your next home. Finding the perfect home that you and your family will enjoy for years to come is both exciting and potentially overwhelming. There are so many important factors to consider when taking on this serious endeavor. So, read on for some top tips!
Because you will wake up in your home every day, it’s essential to put as much thought and effort into your search as you can so that, in the end, you’ll be happy with your decision. Don’t feel like you need to rush — you should take the time needed to find the perfect property that has everything your family wants and needs.
Good outcomes require starting at the drawing board and identifying what you want out of both your home and the home-buying experience. Here are a few key takeaways to consider during the process, whether you’re seeking a Marana home or Catalina Foothills real estate.
Figure out where you want to live
It is crucial that you determine the ideal location for you and your family before you even begin looking at specific properties. To begin with, you should take into consideration where in the state, city, and town you would like to live for the foreseeable future.
You may want to consider researching the school rankings for the district where you're considering purchasing a house before you really invest a lot of time into your search, especially if you have school-aged children.
As far as what constitutes a good location, of course, that will be entirely dependent on the needs of your family; however, it could include a short commute, easy access to downtown and shopping, or more privacy and seclusion. In the end, you want to find a beautiful property in a comfortable community that’s aligned with your family’s lifestyle and interests.
Make sure the home checks all of the boxes
You should make a list of the features that you absolutely need in your new home, with the most important priorities at the top. Once you have your wish list, peruse the homes available on the market to see if you can find a property that matches your needs and wants.
Consider the lifestyle you want for yourself and your family — for instance, do you have a dog? If so, you should consider a property with a spacious outside area where your fuzzy pal can roam, play, and exercise. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen or the living room, then you should prioritize a home that features a comfortable living space and an upgraded culinary area. Chances are that you will not be able to find absolutely everything on your wishlist, but if you prioritize the most important items, you will likely be happier with your home in the long run and less likely to undergo renovations or feel the need to move again.
Virtual tours and open houses
In order to save time and narrow down your search to a shorter list of homes for your family and yourself, begin your search online before visiting the homes in person. You can also consider requesting a virtual tour of the house to get a closer look and make sure it meets your criteria.
It will often take a substantial amount of time to visit prospective homes, so by eliminating the properties that don't have everything that you know you'll want, you will save a considerable amount of time in the long run.
Consider both old and new homes
There are many benefits to purchasing a charming older space or a more modern, chic home with all the upgrades. When it comes to choosing between the two, it all depends on your preferences for your luxury home!
If you are looking for a well-established community with plenty of character, older homes are a good choice. Older homes are also a great option if you have a specific design or era in mind when you imagine how you want your home to look.
Newer homes, on the other hand, tend to be easier to keep in tip-top shape, and they often feature updated technology, such as smart thermostats, cable, and automated tech systems built in. However, most older homes on the market have likely had modern amenities installed as well. In the end, don’t automatically count out an older property simply because of its age, as it may boast several modernized features and surprise you.
Stick to a budget
If you are considering placing a bid on a home, you should consider the total budget you have before you take that first step. This will help you narrow down your choices during the process so that you can focus your efforts on homes that fit within your price point. It’s good to have an exact number in mind when entering into sale price negotiations so that you don’t run the risk of overspending or paying more than you originally intended. Furthermore, you should also take into account the property taxes in the area and calculate how much you will have to pay over the course of the next few years when you own the home.
Looking for Oro Valley luxury homes?
Are you looking for Oro Valley luxury homes or Catalina Foothills single-family homes? If so, you want to team up with only the very best. Reach out to expert agent Patricia Kaye Brown for top-tier guidance you can count on. Patricia ranks within the top 5% of Tucson real estate agents and knows how to get results every time. Working with Patricia, you can rest assured that you will receive exceptional service from a professional who knows the Tucson area well and is eager to help you find the perfect new property. Get started today.
*Header photo courtesy of Pexels
