Some 6 million new and existing homes are sold each year. There is no shortage of housing options, but with so many choices the challenge becomes finding the property which best meets your needs. The housing market is complicated because the stock of homes for sale is always in flux. If it were possible to have a complete list of every home for sale at this very moment in a given community, such a list would become obsolete within seconds as new homes become available and properties now for sale are put under contract.
In other words, buyers are looking at a moving target in a marketplace that is never static. Because of this, it is important to know as much as possible about the choices in your market, and the way to do that is by working closely with a broker familiar with the area who has a good idea of the options available there.
A home is more than just a collection of bedrooms and bathrooms. Several properties -- each with four bedrooms, three baths, and the same price -- may well represent radically different designs, commuting distances, lot sizes, tax costs, interior dimensions, and exterior finishes. Each of them is different and so it's important to list the features and benefits you really want or need in a home. Consider such things as pricing, location, size, amenities and design (one floor or two, basement, craftsman, tudor, modern, contemporary, etc.).
Start by making a list of your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. Think about:
Next, it's important to consider your priorities. If you can't get a home in your price range with all the features you want, then what features are most important or that you must have? For instance, would you trade fewer bedrooms for a larger kitchen? A longer commute for a bigger lot and lower purchase price?
Lastly, consider your needs in several years. If you'll need a larger home, maybe now is the time to buy a bigger house rather than moving or expanding in the future. If you expect your income to increase, perhaps you should consider a more expensive home financed with a loan program where monthly payments start lower and could potentially increase in the future such as an Adjustable Rate Mortgage or a Temporary Interest Rate Buy Down.
Every Seattle neighborhood and surrounding community has its own vibe and identity. Some are known for charming older homes, while others offer new construction or proximity to downtown. One community may be well known for older, classic homes while another offers both suburban living as well as easy access to downtown office areas. All neighborhoods and communities have a special nature that gives them identity and value.
Spend time driving or walking around the areas you’re considering. Get a feel for the community, check out local amenities, and see if the neighborhood fits your lifestyle. Spen an afternoon visiting the places that you would potentially go there. It will help to narrow things down and enable you to prioritize the communities that you want to focus on.
Some buyers like to search online by looking at listings on the basis of location or price; others prefer to have local their broker suggest properties; and many buyers prefer both approaches. Regardless of your choice, it's important to target your search. By using basic measures such as general location and affordability, you can refine your search and focus on homes that offer the most desirable features. Once you have an idea of what your needs and goals are we encourage you to share them with your Seattle Area Real Estate Team broker.
We have access to the NWMLS (NW Multiple Listing Service – where all properties are listed for sale) in a much more in-depth way than even a robust website offers. We can search for properties based upon a wide range of criteria as in depth as which floor each bedroom is one or whether the yard is flat, sloped, open or fenced.
As you spend more time working with your Seattle Area Real Estate Team broker will be able to learn and know your preferences and needs to the extent that they can find properties for you which have the best potential to fit your needs. That way you can focus your efforts and property viewings on those houses vs. those that may not be as appealing or likely to fit your needs.
As you see houses, you should maintain a file with information on each of the homes you like. Our brokers will provide you with a report or flyer for the homes you are viewing, and we always encourage our clients to make notes of positive and negative aspects of each home they are interested in.