The Buying Process--What Steps Do You Take? Step 2

Step 2 Narrow Your Focus

You have talked with a lender and now you have a good idea of what you can afford and what you are comfortable paying for a house.

Now What?

It is a good idea to sit down and think about what you want in a house and a neighborhood. If you are buying with someone else you both need to make sure to sit down and talk about what each of you want in a house.
*Do you want a new house or older construction?
*Do you want 2 or 3 bedrooms?
*How many bathrooms?
*Do you want something that needs some cosmetic work or would your prefer something you can just move into.
*Do you have a specific neighborhood you want to live in?
*Do you want to be near public transportation?
*Do you want to walking distance to ammeneties?
*Is there an area you don't want to live?

Now you have the list of you wants. At this point it is a good idea to look at what you consider a must have versus a would like to have. Maybe you have to have 3 bedrooms, but you could live with one bathroom, etc. etc.

When considering a neighborhood it is a good idea to keep an open mind. There may be one neighborhood you have your heart set on but if homes in this area are going for over a million and your price point is closer to $650, it will be very tough to find a home you would like in that particular neighborhood. Definitley don't rule it out, but being realistic about your options will make the home search process a lot less painful.

Remember your list can and probably will change!! And that is okay. Through the search process you often times discover areas you did not know about and certain have to haves from your list may become a would like to have.

Next Step 3- How Do I find a House?