There May Be No Such Thing As The Perfect Hoboken Condo
Shopping for a condominium is exciting. Looking at other people's home's is fun I'll admit. But when it turns into a sport more so than a goal then you may be searching for something that doesn't exist. Remember, almost never does someone find a "perfect home".
Here are my tips when searching for a home.
1. Make a wish list
I'm not talking about a power point presentation, I usually ask my clients to give me their top five. Yours might be something like this:
- Close to Ferry
- Two bedrooms
- Garage parking
- Renovated Kitchen
- Washer Dryer on site
Your wish list are the thing's you MUST have. Try not to be too specific like, dish washer, 1200 square feet, exposed brick and first floor. You don't buy a home solely based on it's features. You buy a home for your lifestyle. Details can always be added to suit your style.
2. Visit some open houses
Before you view condo's with your real estate agent, take one or two Sundays to yourself to look at some open houses with whomever you are buying with, say your spouse or partner, or if you're buying for yourself, then take your closest friend.
This is important because many times you will find that what you want, is not what your partner wants, or what you thought you wanted, is not really what you thought you wanted. You also want to get comfortable walking into other people's homes. Lastly, it's a good way to get an introductory grasp on the market and what is available in your price range. You may learn that $400,000 may not buy you the roomy two bedroom two bath you were hoping for.
3. Don't rush to view homes
Make it a point to meet with your real estate agent to discuss what's important to you in a home, your lifestyle, and discuss what you expect from him or her. Then let your agent get to work and do the searching.
Hopefully you were referred to an agent who is skilled and will listen to your needs then show you homes that only fit your criteria.
4. Know that you can find your ideal home on your first day out!
Don't be scared! Don't feel like you have to see everything on the market or that you didn't look long enough. Most buyers find the home they want to make an offer on, once they've seen on average 6 homes!! Your agent is skilled to pin point what you are looking for. Plus, like myself, many agents preview listings and we are familiar with many buildings. So, I can say to a client that says to me, "what about this unit? Can we see this one?" - I'll respond with, it is not an open layout like you wanted, and the terraces in this building are located off of the bedrooms - not the living room.
5. When you see one you like - go for it.
Don't wait to see a few more before you decide. It happens ALL the time, even in slow markets. A buyer will see one they like, then they'll decide they want to keep looking a little more. Well, you know what happens next. The buyer will want to come back and make an offer, and that home has an accepted offer.
Remember, there are ALWAYS a pool of buyer's looking for the same specific qualities/wish list you're looking for.
If you've seen more than 20 - 30 homes, then I recommend that you sit down with your real estate agent, re-evaluate and come up with a new game plan. Prepare to make some repairs and changes. You are unique and so are your tastes. Remember, paint can be changed so can counter-tops and window hangings. You can add molding you can take away molding. What's important is the space and if it suits your day to day life.
Part of the fun of being a home owner is personalizing your home.
