Quote of the Day!

Life is for learning? Learning what? You name it. There’s a lot to learn.

***

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardour and attended to with diligence.

---ABIGAIL ADAMS - 1780

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Making a Wish List... And using it Wisely

Depending on how you use it, a “wish list” can either be an advantage or a disadvantage when shopping for a new home. If you use it wisely, a wish list can narrow your search, so you don’t waste time looking at houses you don’t like. This saves you time and stress. However, if your wish list is too long or overly specific, you risk missing the opportunity to view homes that might otherwise be ideal.


So how do you use a wish list wisely?

That’s easy. Simply use your wish list as a guide to point you in the right direction. But build in flexibility so you don’t miss out on homes that are a close fit.

Here are some ideas for your new home wish list:

  • In which part of town do you what to live? List your favourite neighbourhoods. Sometimes it’s easier to write down where you don’t want to live.
  • What price range will you consider? Be realistic here. You might hope for a maximum of $200,000, but be willing to pay an extra $10,000 if the ideal home presents itself.
  • What amenities do you want nearby? Think about the needs and hobbies of everyone in the family. These may include health clubs, jogging trails, parks, public transit, daycare centers.
  • What about schools? If you have kids, this is an important question. Distance, quality of education, reputation, and programs will all be important considerations for you.
  • What type of house do you prefer? How large? How many bedrooms? Size of backyard? A two-car garage? Big kitchen?
  • How much renovation are you willing to do? Will you consider a house that has a lot of potential, but needs extra work? Or do you want one that is in move-in condition?

Of course, there are many other items you may want to put on your wish list. Just be sure to make them realistic and flexible. If you need help matching your wish list to home available on the market, call today!

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