When the time comes to stop renting and buy a home, it's important to identify your priorities. If you're new to the home buying market and aren't sure what kind of home to buy, the following tips will help.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What to Consider When Making Your Wish List

Hobbies, work place location, family needs, and pets are all common considerations that buyers think about when making their home buying wish list.

Commute

For many people, commute makes a big difference in quality of life. Home location can impact how many hours per week the homeowner must commute. Buyers who aren't sure what their commute to work will be from various neighborhoods can find out by driving from each neighborhood to their office at the normal time of day when they would normally be leaving for work. This can help the buyer decide which neighborhoods they would like to prioritize.

Family

Home buyers who plan to increase the size of thier family need to think about how many children or other adults they may plan to have living in the home. This affects how many bedrooms are needed, how much yard space is preferred and how big the garage will need to be (to hold any extra vehicles). All this information should affect what goes on the wish list.

Pets

Like people, pets need a lot of space. Home buyers must think about their pets, both current and future, when trying to decide what home to buy. Yard space, interior space, and nearby parks are all affected by this important consideration.

Extras

After considering all the important variables mentioned above, buyers must also consider what they really want out of their house. Extras might include an extra room for their hobbies, a large yard for gardening, a pool for swimming, or a fireplace for warm, cozy nights at home. These small perks can make a big difference for the homeowner and their loved ones.

Know the Nice-to-Haves

Once the list has been made, it's important for the home buyer to identify those things that they don't really need, but which they would appreciate. These non-priority items can help the buyer decide between two properties, if one of the homes has a nice-to-have and one of them does not.

Work With a Real Estate Professional

For an Eden Prairie home buyer who is trying to make a wish list, working with a real estate professional can help. A good real estate professional can help the home buyer view properties and explore neighborhoods. If you're a home buyer who would like to get into the real estate market, call a real estate professional today.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.