Looking for the right home can feel overwhelming — whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve been through the process before. From layout and style to appliances and location, there are countless factors involved in such a significant purchase.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you focus on what truly matters.
1. Define Your Budget First
It’s never fun to fall in love with a home you can’t afford. Before you start touring properties, take time to evaluate your financial position.
Start with:
Reviewing your credit score
Understanding your current debt
Determining a comfortable down payment
Speaking with a lender or financial professional
One key factor lenders use is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Ideally, that number should be 43% or lower, as this is generally the maximum ratio allowed for a Qualified Mortgage.
Your down payment also plays a major role. While 20% down has long been considered the benchmark, many buyers purchase with less. However, putting down less than 20% often requires mortgage insurance, which increases your long-term costs.
The right approach depends on your timeline, savings plan, and long-term goals. The key is to go into the search prepared.
2. Create a Must-Have List
Before touring homes, clearly define what you need versus what you want.
A must-have list helps you:
Focus on major features that are expensive or difficult to change later — things like:
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Home type (single-family, townhome, condo)
Garage
Lot size
Layout
Major structural features
Cosmetic updates like paint, fixtures, and minor upgrades can often be changed later. Large renovations — such as adding bathrooms or remodeling kitchens — are more costly and should factor heavily into your decision.
Keep your must-have list concise and prioritize it. At some point, compromise becomes part of the process. Knowing what you can adjust on — and what’s a deal breaker — makes decision-making much easier.
3. Location Truly Matters
Location impacts both your daily life and your home’s long-term value.
When evaluating a neighborhood, consider:
School districts
Crime statistics
Community feel
Future resale potential
But also consider your personal lifestyle:
A home’s location shapes your experience just as much as the house itself.
Professional Guidance Makes a Difference
Buying a home isn’t just about finding the “perfect” house. It’s about finding the right home for your budget, goals, and future plans.
Having professional guidance can simplify the process — from scheduling showings to navigating negotiations and paperwork. My role is to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Finding the right home doesn’t mean finding perfection. It means finding the right fit for you — and building from there.
When you’re ready to begin, I’m here to help.
Real Talk. Real Results.