May 15th, 2010
Below we continue our discussion on “Real Estate by the Numbers” and what it means to potential home owners in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.
In our last post we discussed buying versus renting and the comparisons of each. Now that you have decided to buy real estate in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Hampton Roads you have to prioritize your “wants and needs”. You may “Want” a 6000 square foot home but can only afford or “Need” 3000 square feet. We have previously discussed important items such as location (you cannot change), neighborhoods (pride of ownership) and schools (how important?). Now, what do you really “Want and Need” in the home?
Price Range? What do you really want to Spend?
How many bedrooms do you want?
What could you get by with?
Is a downstairs Master Bedroom required?
Is it needed for a future parent live-in?
How many stories?
Is a Ranch ok, or do you prefer two or more stories?
Cable or Internet wired?
Newer or is an older home acceptable?
Is the kitchen important or can you remodel later?
Bathrooms – how many?
Move-in ready or can you fix a few minor items? (fixtures, carpet, windows, deck, etc)? Check with a Home Inspector.
This can all come in to play when preparing the purchase offer. In todays market move-in ready is the standard.
We could go on and on, but later you will see a “buyer home search checklist” which will include much more detail when viewing each home.
Standby…………….more to come.
Dennis Blackmore is a REALTOR® with Avalar Realty, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452http://www.realestatevirginiabeachhomes.com