Evaluate and Focus

December 19, 2011

It’s easy to “fall in love at first sight” with a home—but it’s important to be mindful of not just the home itself, but the property that it sits on. Even the most desirable home can inspire “buyer’s remorse” if you realize after the fact that the view is obscured from inside the home, it isn’t easily accessible, or you’re too close for comfort to the neighbors. The flipside to consider is of equal importance—don’t fall in love with a property and forget to focus on the home itself. A “perfect” property should be accented by a home that is perfect for your family, your needs, and your goals, both immediate and long-term.

A less-than-perfect structure might not be an obstacle to a handy homeowner, or someone to whom home-improvement projects are enjoyable—but know what kind of homeowner you are. Remodeling, razing and renovations require a significant investment of both time and money, so be open and honest with yourself, your family and your REALTOR® with what you’re willing to expend and invest, both effort-wise and financially. If the house doesn’t meet the basic criteria that you put forth at the outset of your home search, doesn’t complement the property it sits on, or requires a significant amount of work in order to be a home that you could envision living in happily—it may be time to make your peace with it and move on to the next property.