Whether you are a first time home buyer, upgrading to a larger home, or downsizing to a smaller one, when you know it's time to buy a property in the Bryan-College Station area it is easy to wonder where to begin.  Since you will be living in your home for at least 3 years, you want a place that fits the way you live.

The first step is obtaining loan pre-approval.  This way you will know what price range to be looking at. The next step should begin with making 2 lists. The first list should contain the features you consider to be requirements of your next home. Examples of this list includes:

• School District
• Location
• Home Size
• Number of Bedrooms and Baths
• Garage (amount of space 1,2, or 3+)
• Interior or Garage Washer/Dryer Connections
• Other Rooms (gameroom, study, workshop)  
• Lot size and type (trees, proximity to other homes, privacy)
• Amenities (what features must be in the home)

The second list should a "wish list." This list includes items you would like to see in your next home, but are not essential to for your purchase. Some examples may be:

• His and Her Sinks
• Vanity Space in the Master Bath
• Large Walk-in Closets
• Separate Tub/Shower in the Master Bath 
• Island in the Kitchen
• Stainless Steel Appliances
• Gas Range vs Electric Range
• Covered Patio

Everyone's list is different.  Some of the examples I listed as essentials might not mean that much to you, and some of the items I wrote as a wish might be something you would consider essential for your next home purchase. This is why making the list is so important.

 If your priorities are clearly established, it will be easier for the Realtor and yourself to organize the homes listed for sale.  This way, there is no time wasted. You see the homes that best meet your search criteria first, and you don't miss out on a home you should have seen. 

Another thing to consider is the floor plan of your home.  You need to start thinking about what spaces you will need in your new home and where they should be in relation to one another.  In particular, you should think about if you want a one or two story home, if you are looking for a split-bedroom plan and how open you want your floor plan to be. 

Happy Buying!

www.buyincollegestation.com

Articles on Home Buying and Selling

Original Article