The first of my How to find the perfect home for you and your budget series! I’m so glad you’re here. This series will help you find the right home that won’t go over what you want to spend on a monthly mortgage (which may be lower than the amount that you are pre-approved for!) You’ll learn all about what to look for in a home to make sure it matches you need, lifestyle and budget, and be able to avoid buyers remorse along the way.

When you are imagining what your dream home looks like, what does it have? Is it on a large lot with horses out back? Or does a big chefs kitchen or large gathering area come to mind first? People usually tend to lean one way vs. the other. So, what do you think? Are you a “house” person or a “location” person?

For a lot of first time home buyers across Utah, getting their DREAM home as their first home just isn’t realistic. That’s why I believe it’s important to pin down what is more important to you, so you can decide where you’re willing to compromise.

For me, having a big enough kitchen was important. I love to cook and I feel like that is were we spend a majority of our time. One day I hope to have a large horse property lot WITH a large kitchen… but for now, I recognized that it would be in my best interest to compromise on the horse property as a large kitchen was a priority.

Many people who have lived in a neighborhood for a long time love it and don’t want to leave their neighbors. That is when it is all about “location, location, location” because they are strictly looking for a home in that exact neighborhood.

The answer is different for everybody, but it’s important to know before buying a home because it will largely impact your lifestyle.

So… What is your priority?

Let’s dig deep, ladies and gentlemen! This may be a family matter, so take some time with you spouse, children or whoever will be making this decision with you and ask yourselves these questions.

What is important to you in a location? How close do you want to be to a Target or Costco? Is it important to you that you are a very short drive to work or shops? Is it your dream to not have any neighbors and start a little homestead? Are you hoping to stay within certain school boundaries? Location can largely dictate your lifestyle, so think this through very thoroughly.

What is important to you in a home? What is the home you’re in now missing that drives you crazy? Is the shortage of storage an impossible battle? Will this home fit you for years to come? Is the cupboard space way too crammed? Do you wish it had a garage? Dream big… let’s get it right this time!

What is your absolute deal breaker(s) when it comes to a home or location? 

Is your house list a little longer, or the location list? Does one make you feel a little more sad than the other to imagine not having? If something stands out to you as a “dealbreaker” is it a “house” or a “location” item? This item must be a REALISTIC item that you are willing to make a priority in your home search.

I hope that helped you get all dialed-in on what is most important to you, and if you’re a “house person” or a “location person”

So… You’re a “House Person”?

Congratulations on getting down to the bottom of it.

Now you know that a home’s feature are more important to you than the location… that knowledge will help IMMENSELY when you begin your home search. You are probably the type of person that enjoys a quiet night in, entertaining while enjoying your space and your loved ones.

Some buyers may lean towards being a “house person” because they don’t want to deal with a lot of updating or maintenance issues. A “house person” is hoping for a turn-key property that is ready to move in and make it their home.

Narrow down the features that are a MUST for you. Since we can look in different (realistic) areas, we may have better luck at finding your home.

Something to remember when buying a home as a “house person”… buying the best home in a less-than-great neighborhood will affect your resale value when it comes time to sell. Find a home you love with a neighborhood that matches, that way the other properties won’t bring down the value of your home due to proximity.

Location, Location, Location

If you have deemed yourself a “location person” then you know that where you are affects you lifestyle. You may want to have more land to raise animals on, or maybe you want to live in the big city… either way, your location is your priority. A “location person” may be fine with the idea of fixing-up a smaller, more dated home just for the pure fact that it is in their ideal location.

Some things that a “location person” can do to help find the home in their ideal location while staying within their budget is being open to locations that have a similar “aurora” that may not be the exact location you were hoping. For example… maybe you were wanting property with animal rights that you can start a little homestead on. While you dream location may be Park City or Midway, would a cheaper location give you a similar feel? Is there somewhere in Juab County or Sevier County that would give you all of the same benefits of that location, without the big price tag?

I really hope that we can find you the greatest home in the best location, but at least now you know your priorities and your deal breakers. If you still are unsure about which category you fit into best, I have a list of questions I can ask you to help us get down to the bottom of it. It’s possible to find a home you love in an ideal location, while also staying within budget.

You’ve got this!

Don’t miss next week’s article in my Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget series, which will be about the three steps most homebuyers skip!