First Time Home Buyer - Wants vs. Needs
Your Source For Real Estate in Killeen Texas, Fort Hood Real Estate

Wants & Needs

The first thing you, as a Buyer need to decide is “What do I want in a home? What do I need in a home?” These may be entirely different things. It also may depend greatly upon your budget, whether you are buying a new home vs. an older home. There are a lot of variables involved in purchasing a home. A reliable Realtor can make these decisions easier for you by helping to answer the many questions you will certainly have, especially if you are a first-time buyer.

Make a detailed list of what your perfect home would be – but be realistic! Stay within your price range. It would be a waste of your time to make a list of things you know you could not afford at this point. Include some of the following items:

● Square footage
● Number of bedrooms
● Number of bathrooms
● Formal living/dining
● Fireplace
● Kitchen size/style
● Size of garage
● Floor type
● Landscaping
● Size of yard
● Type of fencing
● Age of home
● Location
● School district
● Closet size
● One or two stories
● Porches/patios
● Exterior material
● Style of home
● Floor plan
● Swimming pool
● Appliances
● Type of Heating/AC

Add to this list anything else that is important to you. Circle the things you consider to be “MUST HAVES”.

Shopping for Your Home

By the time you are ready to actually get out there and start viewing homes your Realtor (Buyer’s Agent) will have a pretty clear idea of what you are looking for. Make sure you have related to your agent your “wants & needs”. The more information your Realtor has to work with, the faster you can make your “dream” home a reality!

Narrow your search by shopping on the computer with your Realtor and make appointments to see only the homes that meet your criteria.

Check out neighborhood schools. Pay attention to the neighborhood as you drive TO and THROUGH. You will be looking at your prospective neighbor’s property – which can and probably will affect your property value and your future happiness.

Check desired neighborhoods for convenience to work and shopping.

Take a camera with you to snap pictures of the home.

Open cabinets and closets to check out storage.

Try to picture your furniture in the home. Take measurements if possible.

Inquire about appliances. Will any convey?

Take notice of the conditions of the floors. If there is a need for repairs, discuss with your Realtor how to best negotiate for a floor allowance.

Ask your Realtor for comparative pricing in the area and to make suggestions on how the property is priced based on the condition and location.