When you’ve finally saved enough for a down payment and closing costs and your in a place that you would like to stay for a while, it’s easy to get sucked down the rabbit hole of obsessively checking for new homes for sale that may meet our criteria.

With so much technology at the tips of our fingertips it’s hard not to! In Utah County we have so many real estate apps that update, that may not even be accurate if it’s not syndicating directly from the MLS.

But… it may not be in your best interest. Resist that urge! I always tell my clients to dig deep and really decipher what they need in a home. I ask them a list of questions in our initial consultation that helps us BOTH understand what we need to find in a home.

Buying a home is no small feat. We really need to do this self-analysis and KNOW what you want. We will dig into lifestyle habits, hobbies, schools, neighborhoods and so much more.

Your answers to the questions below will help you avoid a personal, financial, and emotional disaster when it comes to real estate. This is not a process that should be rushed. Slow down and take the necessary time to really think through the logistics of living in every home, it will make the process that much more enjoyable and help you to avoid buyers remorse.

You’ll notice very quickly that I approach your home purchase differently than most real estate agents. I have found the traditional way of buying a home lacks the innovation today’s home buyers require to get their home purchase “right.”

1. How long do you plan on living in this home?

2. What plans do you have during that time period?

For example, is this a home you want to have children in? Then schools might be important. Lots of going out? Then maybe you want something smaller in the middle of all the action. If you understand your time frame, then you can understand what purpose your home will serve, and everything else falls into place.

3. What about your current daily life do you love and are not willing to give up?

For example, do you love being able to walk places? Do you love going to your favorite gas station or drink stop every day? You may not realize it, but it’s the little habits that make a big difference. What are they?

4. What about your current home would you like to change or be different in your next home?

5. Where do you commute and what is your preferred method? Are schools a factor for this home purchase?

6. What life events are you planning in the next few years? Will these affect your home needs? How so?

7. What are your personal goals during the period you plan on living in your next home? How will these affect your home needs?

For example, do you have a great paying job now that you don’t plan on keeping for the time period that you plan on owning this home? Then, we should talk about how to make that work with your budget.

8. Do you consider yourself a “location person” or a “house person”?

Do you get more excited about the local amenities or the features inside your house? Usually, people tend to be more one than the other. Which are you?

9. What is the absolute most important, can’t-live-without it, the deal-breaker thing you MUST have? (We all have one.)

10. What is the ideal time frame for purchasing this home? Why is this timing important? Are you willing to wait longer if the market’s timing for your house is not the same as your ideal timing?

11. What is the monthly budget you are looking to spend on what you have described?

Note: This does not have to be the highest price that you have been pre-approved for!

12. Describe your ideal scenario when it comes to your home purchase and why: