Finding a house that ticks all your boxes is challenging even in the best markets. When the competition is high, it can seem nearly impossible. The fact is, you’re usually going to have to make compromises when it comes to the house you choose. To have the best chance of finding a property with many of your must-haves, you’ll need to start with some planning.
Begin by determining how much you can spend on a home. It’s wise to obtain pre-approval from a lender at the beginning of the house-hunting process. Doing so makes your budget clear. It also provides you with leverage as you set out to view property listings. Sellers are often more inclined to consider bids from those who are pre-qualified, as it demonstrates that you’re a serious bidder and that you have the funds to make a purchase.
Next, you’ll want to create a list of your must-haves as well as those things that would be nice to have. This information will serve as a roadmap as you search for homes for sale in Estes Park. It can provide focus, saving you time and energy by targeting your key features. Knowing what’s most important to you will also allow you to make a more informed decision when you come across a listing that meets many of your criteria.
You’ll want to take a strategic approach to make your list. Once you’ve determined your budget, begin by jotting down your absolute must-have features. These are the things that, as the name suggests, you need and don’t want to compromise on. Items that often top the list are the distance from work, neighborhood, number of bedrooms, and layout.
Then, you’ll move on to the features that would be nice to have. This category will be items that you truly desire, but not having them wouldn’t be a deal-breaker. If you’re able to find something in your price range that includes your must-haves and some of the things from this list, you’ll probably want to consider it. A basement, garage, and acreage may be items you’d place in this section.
It’s also a good idea to come up with a dream list of the things that would be the icing on the cake. Items that are beyond your expectation go here. Finding a home that ticks all of your must-have boxes, along with a handful of your nice-to-have ones, with one or two of these items would probably be your top choice. Think of such features as a walk-in pantry or sunroom.
When you’ve completed your list, you’ll have a useful tool to show your real estate agent. This guide will be invaluable when it comes to refining your home search. Coming up with a list like this can save you time, money, and frustration.
