children or elderly parents to care for—or a desire if those factors aren’t involved. Items like these make a checklist very helpful. After compiling location needs and desires, housing factors can be considered. Needs include having all essential house structures and systems in good working order. Accepting a house needing a new roof because the owner is willing to knock $7,000 off the listing price—but it will cost $10,000 to replace the roof in two years—is not a sensible deal. Needs might include a minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms, no steps, a fenced yard, perhaps a first-floor laundry facility, and any feature prospective buyers have decided they cannot accept a home without. Desires are features that make the house more attractive or enjoyable—an upgraded kitchen, walk-in closets, and a primary bedroom suite. Of course, one buyer’s need is another buyer’s desire. The point is to know your needs and desires to assess potential properties and make the process smoother quickly. Regardless, buying a house is not a simple process. Before contacting a real estate agent or looking at homes, much planning should be done. Work out the costs and budget. Choose a general location. Contact lenders well ahead of home shopping so that your offers aren’t tied up with getting financial approval. Having the image of your dream home is reality, married with imagination. You may find that some aspects of the house you intend to buy are different. It’s not the same as what your dreams told you. Other people have different requirements. It depends on your thought processes as well as your personality. We understand essential things and potential compromises differently. Needs are basic requirements that just can’t be
32
Powered by FlippingBook