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Married and House Hunting: Buying a House That Works for You Both
If you and your spouse have started researching Richmond homes for sale, you might have noticed that you have different tastes. Whether it's the size, location, or style of home, there's a good chance that you'll need to compromise on some things. Since your home is one of the single largest investments you'll ever make, it's important to make sure you'll both be happy in the long run.
Getting on the same page before you start home shopping will save you a lot of headaches. The last thing you want is to end up in a stalemate that causes you to miss out on a great buying opportunity, or, even worse, make a purchase that you later end up regretting.
Our REALTORS® have plenty of experience in working with couples to help them find a home that's perfect for both of them. Here are some of their best tips to help you get started.
- Make Separate "Must Have" Lists
One of the best ways to come to a compromise is to figure out which things you and your spouse agree on. To do this, each of you should make a list of 10 things that are "must-have" features, and 10 "wish list" items. It's best if you make these lists completely separately and compare them only when you're done.
Once you've come up with at least a few items that you have in common, you can use this is a basis to start narrowing down your options. When you come across a home that has at least some of the features you both want, you'll find that compromising on other points gets much easier. - Set a Realistic Budget (And Stick to It)
Your dream home can quickly turn into a nightmare if you find out after your purchase that you really can't afford it. Before you even think about looking for a home, both of you need to sit down together and take an honest look at your finances. Consider whether you think your financial situation will stay the same for years to come, or if you need to accommodate for changes like one of you staying home with children.
Once you've agreed on a budget, don't fall into the trap of stretching it. It's important that you take emotion out of the equation and stick to your guns, no matter how deeply you fall in love with the home in question. Remember that no home is worth the stress of dealing with financial problems for the next 15 to 30 years. - Use a Rating System
As you're checking out houses, both you and your spouse should assign each one you see a rating of 1 to 10. This will help you keep track of how you feel about each option and is a good indicator of which ones to rule out immediately and which ones have some potential. - Let Your REALTOR® Help Mediate
Great REALTORS® have an intimate knowledge of the homes that are currently on the market and can help you find one that comes as close as possible to meet both of your needs. Don't be afraid to tell your realtor about the sticking points you're running into. In most cases, he or she will be the best one to help you find a happy solution.
Are you ready to start looking for your dream home? We can help! Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties to get your home search started.