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The Perfect Home
by Stuart Scott
You know you’re in the wrong house. It was perfect for you, but life has changed. You’re having another baby, or your babies have left home. Or you’re single, again. Or, that yard work you couldn’t wait to start is now drudgery…you’d rather be travelling. You love your old place, it just doesn’t work for you.
That’s when we Realtors get your call. You feel like you’re standing at the edge of an abyss, and if you take a step too soon, or too late, you’ll be in trouble. How in the world do you find out if there is a new home out there that will make you happy? How can you be sure you don’t end up without a home, or with two homes?
Well, we can’t tell you specifically, because each situation is different. One thing is
certain……change! We suggest you first go into the market to see if there is a home out there you love. Give your Realtor a description of the characteristics of your dream home…price range, style, age, minimum size, bedrooms and baths is a good start. Pick out a few currently on the market, and ask your Realtor to show you a few of your favorites.
You might fall in love with a perfect home on your first tour, or it might take longer. In either case, ask your Realtor to create a web site for you that will send you new listings fitting your description whenever they come up. We want you to become expert in the kind of housing you’re looking for – and you will become one as newly active and sold listings appear on your web site. If you’re not an internet person, not to worry, snail mail still works, or good old Realtor delivery to your door!
Meanwhile, your broker will be working with you to get your current house ready for sale. Once you’re comfortable there’s a home that fits your needs better than what you have, it’s time to get the old place on the market! When you get an acceptable offer, you’ll already know what you like. With a contract on your house in hand, you’ll be able to offer on your new home.
It all sounds too crazy, and too complicated, but a professional Realtor is going through this process with his clients every day. That Realtor will tell you that we don’t know EXACTLY how it will work, but it will. They’ll orchestrate all the lending, inspection, contracts, etc. to get you where you want to be.
Hint: If you’re going to be buying in another city, ask your local broker to find you a good broker at your destination. That way the two brokers can work in concert as offers are made, and closing dates are set for the home you’re buying and the one you’re selling.
Finally, thanks to my Muse, David, who inspired me to write this column after we walked through the process with him and his bride. In their case, they’re moving from too big home to a no maintenance home so they can travel and get max enjoyment out of their lives. They wanted you to know that the process may seem complicated, but it can be fun! Best of all, life is better when your home fits you perfectly. |
