If you’ve been thinking about your dream home for the past six, nine, or 12 months, and you’ve made a list of exactly what you want – and don’t want – good for you! You’re ahead of the game when it comes to buying a new home. Sometimes, though, the picture of what you want doesn’t match up with the reality of the local real estate market.
According to Realtor.com, there are five things you can compromise on, and still find the right home for you.
Style
Think you want a bungalow? Maybe a sprawling ranch is more your style. If a home has every other amenity you want (and a few you didn’t realize you did until you saw them), buying a home that’s a villa condo or Mediterranean instead of colonial may not be a bad compromise.
Size
You’re sure you want a 2500 square foot home – until you see what a home that size does to your budget. If you have no immediate plans to grow your family, and you love everything else about a home, going for something smaller than you imagined is a good compromise to make.
Yard Size
How big is your dream yard? Instead of looking for a “large” yard, decide what you want to be able to do in it – give your dog room to run, give your kids a place to run or play, etc. – and then find a yard that can accommodate that need. You may be surprised at how many yards you wouldn’t call “large” that can do the job.
Garage
Sometimes the garage is the one thing you can’t compromise on. You need it for your rebuilt car or your tools. When it’s on the “nice to have” part of your list, it’s easier to let go of for more living space. On the other hand, looking specifically for a “man cave” or a workshop in the garage can limit your choices. If you need a garage, consider a blank slate instead of the fully equipped space that you’re dreaming of. You’ll have more options of homes, and you’ll get to set up your cave in the way that suits you best.
Location
What are your needs – an easy commute, access to shopping and fun things to do? You don’t always have to live in the downtown area of a city to have access to things you want to do. Here on the Emerald Coast, you have access to beach living all along Highway 98 and access to country living in the northern parts of three counties. You may be able to find the home of your dreams just one town over from where you thought you wanted to live.
Keep making your dream list for your next home purchase. It’s a great place to start and a way to narrow down some of your options. But don’t give up the great in favor of perfect – which may not be available in your budget. Know where you can compromise and where you can’t, and you’ll have an easier job of finding your dream home.
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