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DECEMBER 25, 2013 | 37

REAL ESTATE

MONTANA LIFESTYLES
The Art of House Hunting

By MICHELE DAWSON

Armed with your down payment and your pre-ap-
proval letter for a mortgage loan, the next step is ind-

ing the house that will best meet your family’s needs.
With realistic expectations, patience and plenty of re-
search, you’ll be well on your way.
Once you narrow the search to neighborhoods you
like, you’ll want to determine the maximum house
price you can aford. Even though you’re pre-approved
for a set loan amount, it doesn’t mean you can aford it.
You’ll want to factor in other expenses, including retire-

ment and college savings, vacations, and home mainte-
nance and repairs, when you calculate how much you
can aford for a monthly payment. And don’t forget to
budget for homeowners insurance and property taxes.
There are also homeowner’s assocation fees, especially
in newer developments.
Next, diferentiate your needs versus your wants.

You need three bedrooms, but a fourth room would be
nice for a play room or guest room. You need a two-car
garage, but a larger one would be nice for storage. You
need a functional kitchen but want hardwood loors.
You need two bathrooms but want a luxurious master
suite. You get the picture.
As you begin your house-hunting venture, prepare
a checklist. Break it down between exterior and inte-
SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO
rior characteristics. Make notes on each feature. Some house you look at that makes it to the “maybe” list.
• Be prepared to look at the potential of a house rather
people give each a 1 to 10 score, which is ine, but the • Don’t make a hasty decision, especially if you feel than what you see in front of you. Set your priorities
irst few houses you see will score diferently than yourself becoming guided by emotion. Selecting a and decide what can be sacriiced. It’s more impor-
the last few because you have many more to compare home takes time, thought and analysis. You should tant that the layout of the house and the number of
against. Also, after viewing many homes, the numbers carefully weigh the pros and cons of each house you
bedrooms you need it your needs and that all major
begin to lose meaning.
like.
systems are functional versus your dislike for the av-
Some of the exterior features to rate might include • Review your checklist and notes and compare it
ocado green carpet or the lack of landscaping. Those
size of yard, quality of fence, paint condition, roof against your needs, wants and budget.
types of cosmetic shortcomings can be easily reme-
condition, window conditions, garage and back yard. • Bring your spouse, friend or family member with you
died once you buy the house.
When it comes to interior, think about square footage; to get a second opinion. They may notice a shortcom-
If you ind a house you like, ofer a competitive bid.
the loor plan; condition of walls; the size, quality and ing that you’ve overlooked.
Keep in mind you might be competing against other of-
functionality of the various rooms and closet and stor- • Find out how much utilities and maintenance cost.
fers – especially if interest rates are low and the spring
age space.
• Stay on top of newly listed houses via a Multiple List-
buying season is in full bloom.
Your checklist should also include any other fac- ing Service on the Internet.
And don’t forget – once you make an ofer, make it
tors you deem important—the amount of traic, the • Remain in close contact with your agent. This is ex-
contingent upon the indings of a professional home

appearance of the neighborhood, safety in the area, the tremely important if you’re in a strong seller’s mar- inspection. If any major defects surface, you’ll want to
reputation of local schools, etc.
ket and/or in which homes that are priced right go have the leverage to renegotiate or back out of the deal
fast. You want a good agent who will alert you of new completely.
Here are some other suggestions from industry experts:
listings and who will show you the houses as soon as Submitted by NMAR PR Committee
• Take a camera with you to capture an image of each
they’re listed.

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