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  So... Maybe you just bought a house that has a few projects (or is one big project). Maybe you're selling your house, and you need to do some updates to make sure you get top dollar. Or, maybe you love your current home, but just need a little something to make it fit your life and style right now. Unless you're Chip and Joanna, you'll probably need to hire a contractor. But where do you even start? Never fear, I'm here to help. Follow this process, and while I can't guarantee a totally stress free result, I can pretty much assure you that you'll have a better experience than if you don't. FIRST STEPS Have a plan of what you're doing. Major kitchen renovation? Small bathroom renovation? Or maybe you need a full blown addition. Odds are, the project is going to dictate the contractor you use. If you just need a new vanity and lighting in the bathroom, you are probably going not going to want to use the company that builds mega additions on luxury homes. The job is just going to be too small for them. Ask for recommendations from people you know who have used a contractor for (ideally) a similar job, a contractor (electrician, plumber, etc who may work with someone they like). Ask WHY they would recommend them, too! Ask me! I work with different folks all the time, and I know looooootttts of people, who do almost everything. I don't get anything from them from the referral, but I work with them enough that I know they'll treat my clients right. I always recommend getting quotes from 2, or ideally, 3, contractors for your project. Not just because the prices can be drastically different, but also because you are absolutely going to feel more comfortable with one. (And trust me, if they are going to be in your home, and you have to communicate a lot, this matters more than you realize.) ONCE YOU DECIDE ON A CONTRACTOR (or you're close to deciding!) I talk to people all the time who have never hired a contractor before, and don't even know where to start, what to ask, or what their expectations should be. Interestingly, I've talked to lots of contractors over the years who have a similar problem. So, I've put together a list of where to start when you have narrowed down your project, or when you are still deciding on that contractor. QUESTIONS TO ASK! What is your process/plan for this job? How do you work? (There's no right answer here, but their answer should "feel" good to you. What is the timeframe for this project? When can you start, and how long with it take to finish? What is included in your quote? (Is there anything you, the customer, needs to provide? If someone gives you a great deal on painting, but you have to purchase all the paint, make sure that it's still a good deal.) Will they take care of all the permits, and perform all the work to code? (This seems like it should be a given, but trust me, it's not.) Do they have tradespeople on staff, or do they subcontract those? (Plumbers/electricians, etc) How often with the person/someone in charge visit the job to oversee? Who will be your main point of communication? How will they communicate? If you are more easily available by text, and they only call, or email, make sure you are able to land on a way that works for everyone. How often will they update you on progress? What materials will be used? Make sure those are laid out in the contract, IN WRITING. Don't assume that "wood floors" mean the quality of floors that you want. Get the specifics. Where will they be doing their sawing/trim work, etc? How will they deal with dust, etc inside the house? (Generally speaking you want people doing the sawing, drilling, etc, outside, or in the garage. NOT in your living space.) What will be the level of finishing? Are they going to add new trim/replace trim, etc, and paint it? Are they going to redo your whole bathroom, but leave the old vent fan from 1974? (If you want that, it's one thing, but don't assume EVERYTHING will be new if you don't ask.) These are really just a few things to get you started. If you have a project in mind, get super clear on a list of your expectations before you meet with anyone, and most definitely before you sign a contract. And remember, like I always say- when you're looking for contractors, Cheap, Fast, or Good. You can only get two. Never all three. What do you choose, and how involved do you want to be?      Got more questions? I'm happy to answer them, or point you in the direction of great people, if I'm able!

I've helped many first time home buyers successfully buy their dream home, and over the years, I've noticed something that I want to share with as many future first time home buyers as possible! It's this- some first time buyers aren’t aware that they have the ability to use a buyer’s agent to represent them in one of the biggest purchases they will ever make! (AND, that it doesn't cost them any more!!) I want to put this out there to help educate as many people as I can. You can and SHOULD have an agent who works for YOU when you are ready to buy a home. Because let’s be honest, buying a home involves a lot more steps than most people realize. So what does a buyer’s agent do? In a nutshell, we help you, the buyers; navigate the entire home buying process one step at a time. I'll dive in and break it down for you. (Make sure you read until the end because there is great news waiting for you there!) First things first, a buyer’s agent will meet with you to go over the entire home buying process. That way, you're fully equipped so you know exactly what to expect. (We can do this in person or via Zoom) They will help you identify your needs and wants in a home, including your top "must haves" and your deal breakers. I'm a huge fan of understanding your "why," so I always spend some time asking why you want what you want. That helps me help you more than you know. They will then set up a custom home search that will find listings matching your wants and needs, so that you don’t have to filter through hundreds of listings that don’t even fit what you’re looking for. When you start looking at homes, you’ll notice that they will be listed by a listing agent. What's great about a buyer’s agent, is that they work in your best interest, not that of the sellers. In addition to helping you find a house that meets your needs, they will also help you understand your options when it comes to writing an offer, advise you on the market, help you determine what price to offer the sellers and most importantly, negotiate on your behalf. If you find yourself in a multiple offer situation (pretty common in this 2021 market), they have strategies to help make your offer stand out, while matching the seller’s priorities to give you the best shot at getting that dream home. Once you have an accepted offer, they maintain strong communication with both you and the listing agent so you'll always be kept in the loop and never left wondering what’s next! A buyer’s agent will also remove as much doubt as possible. They'll provide you with all the tools necessary to make an informed decision before you take on the investment of owning a home. Think of them as your go-to resource throughout the entire transaction. Not only will they educate you through each step, they will refer you to their trusted vendors. From lenders to home inspectors, attorneys, and contractors, there can be so many moving parts in a transaction that you’ll be thankful to have the help of trusted professionals and save time trying to research them on your own. All of this will help you have peace of mind throughout the home buying process and prevent you from falling into the buyer’s remorse trap! It’s time to fill you in on the best part about hiring a buyer’s agent. Here it is.. it costs you absolutely NOTHING! You might be thinking this all sounds great and I would love to have someone work on my behalf but how much is someone like this going to cost? Having a buyer’s agent won’t cost you anything because the sellers are responsible for paying all commissions. So, if you’re already searching for homes online, googling questions you have about the process and you’re ready to dive in, what are you waiting for? It’s time to find yourself a buyer’s agent who will work for you and walk you through all of this – literally, one house at a time! Look for a buyer’s agent who you feel is a good fit for helping you through the process of buying a home. When you’re interviewing different agents, you’ll want to make sure you choose someone who not only seems knowledgeable but someone who will be available, willing to educate you, able to communicate the way that you want and most of all, someone you feel comfortable working with! Maybe that's me. And, maybe it's not. But do your legwork here, and I promise you that the home buying process will be much easier!!

Have you been hearing all the talk about the real estate market in the last 6 months or so, and wondering if maybe it actually IS the right time to sell? You're not the only one. (I've even thought about it myself!) But where to begin? Well, the obvious solution is just to call me, right? Kidding. Well, kind of... Stick with me. Here are a few things to think about as you get ready sell your home in the Richmond area. Obviously, I'd like you to call me, but if not me, call your agent of choice. Sooner than you think. We will walk through your home and pull the data to help give you a comprehensive list of to do's, discuss your personal goals, and touch on pricing, at least within a range. No one knows your home as well as you do. So, if there are items that you know need repairing, making a list of those and starting to get them checked off is a great place to start. Clean, clean, and clean some more. (I have a comprehensive cleaning list to remind you of the things buyers tend to look at that sellers often forget.) Staging is often important in our market and others. Depending on your home, that may mean just decluttering, and depersonalizing your space, and others it means a full staging with furniture, art, and accessories. Know the comparables and price it well. Yes, the market has been wild for the past few months, but pricing has always been, and will always be, a crucial component of a successful home sale. That means paying attention to the comparables, the market, and your own personal goals to get the pricing right. Getting your home prepped can sometimes be accomplished very quickly, but more often than not, it takes a little bit of time (Real talk? The average time it takes to prep a home for sale is 2 months, from start to finish.) The most important thing to know? Call your agent as soon as you start thinking about selling. That will absolutely reduce your prep time, keep you on the right track, and make sure that any money you spend helps maximize your time and sales price and minimize your stress.  Are you ready?   

Today, I’m diving into an important topic that could make a big difference in the amount of money you net from your home sale. If you haven't been living under a rock, you probably know the market is HOT. There are more buyers who need houses than houses for sale. That means your home is in demand and it’s not even listed yet! That sounds like great news for you, doesn't it? It is! As a result of this market, I know there are lots of potential sellers thinking… "Hmm maybe we should just put a sign up in the front yard and see what happens." The truth is, the worst thing you can do as a seller in a hot market is to go it alone on the sale of your home. So before you head to the local hardware store for that "For Sale By Owner" sign, keep reading... I know you're doing the math and figuring out how much selling your home on your own could potentially save you... but I wanted to shed some light on a few important things to consider before you decide to go that route. If you're looking to the internet to determine that perfect listing price, you could be losing a significant amount of money. Online home values aren't always entirely accurate which means basing your list price on what the internet is saying could result in you leaving money on the table. Remember, those online "valuation" tools are just guessing, because they haven't been in your home, or anyone else's. They don't know that you just redid your bathrooms, or that the neighbor did not. Contracts and negotiations can feel like a foreign language if you're not a real estate professional. Not understanding how to navigate these or have someone work in your best interest could result in sticky situations and money lost. Demand - when you're in a hot market, one of the greatest benefits to the seller is that they're typically in the driver's seat. When there are more buyers than listings for sale, your house can spark a bidding war when it hits the market. However, without an agent helping you prep your home for the market, price it strategically, market it with a variety of methods and really get it out there, you can really miss out on that demand. You might have a buyer or two, but that isn't going to drive the price up (and get you an offer with the best terms) like it would if you had someone working for you. The best advice I can give to someone thinking about selling is this - Before you make the decision to do it alone, do some research and find an agent who has good reviews, comes highly recommended and who you can learn something about before reaching out. What does their experience look like? What are their clients saying? Schedule a consultation with them to see how they can help you net the most money possible from your home sale. Successful home selling is rooted in doing your research and making smart decisions that are going to position you in the best place possible when your house hits the market! (And I'm here to help!)

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, chances are you’re getting tons of advice from everyone you've mentioned it to. It can be pretty overwhelming, and that's why I want to share 3 home buying myths you need to know if you’re considering homeownership. These will help debunk some of the things you may be hearing from people who probably have great intentions, but probably aren’t professionals. MYTH #1: You Have to Put 20% Down to Purchase a Home This could be the biggest home buying myth of all time! Putting a minimum of 20% down on a house does have some financial benefits .. BUT it isn’t required. There are several options when it comes to financing your home so you’ll want to meet with a local lender to discuss these options before jumping head first into the process. There are loans that require as little as 3% down as well as resources for buyers struggling with down payment money and first time home buyer programs. MYTH #1 Tip: Do not get pre-approved from an online lender. Find someone local who you can actually sit down with, understand your options and make the best decision for your financial future. (I can refer you to some great ones.) MYTH #2: It Doesn’t Matter if I Don’t Have a Real Estate Agent Some buyers prefer not to commit to working with one specific agent. That means they don’t take advantage of hiring a buyer’s agent to help them with their home purchase. That means they’re on their own for scheduling showings, being alerted of new listings, and when it comes time to negotiations, they won’t have anyone working in their best interest. This is not a great combination- especially in this market. It can prevent you from getting an accepted offer on the house you really love because you haven’t been educated on the market or how quickly you need to make a move. Right now, that's QUICK! It could also result in you losing money or overspending because you don’t have anyone negotiating on your behalf. I don’t know about you, but if I’m buying my first home, or any home, for that matter, that does not sound like a great situation. MYTH #3:Prices probably won't keep rising forever. But a market crash isn't likely, based on who's buying homes now: people with low debt-to-income ratios who put a lot of money down after losing out on a few homes to other buyers. "They will not be the first to abandon their homes if there is a downturn in the economy," said Kenneth ErI of Climb Real Estate. "These homes are owner-occupied and not highly leveraged like in the run-up to the last crash."   There are certainly a few more myths, but I'm here to help you navigate them. If you think you're ready to purchaase, give me a call, or email me here. I'd love to help!

I don’t know a single person that has had an easy time this year. (And that’s an understatement.) We’re all a little over these “unprecedented times,” I think. Today, and every day lately, as 2020 has dragged on, I’m making a conscious ever to find those things for which to be grateful, even when it takes some serious thought to find them. Every year for as long as I can remember, my mom and her sisters have multiple discussions about who’s bringing what, talk about how we always have too much food, and always seem to land on something crazy, like “Let’s keep it simple and just have lasagne,” only to end up with guess what? Traditional food, and way too much of it. As it should be, and largely because my aunt Charlotte would convince my Mom that that would be crazy. It’s just one day, she’d say, and of course she and Sue would help set up and do extra cooking. More wrangling over who’s bringing what, then once it’s finally decided, Sue and Charlotte always arrive with three things that were never mentioned. I get this one more now, as I only have one child, who’s not always home, half the time. When you love to cook, and live alone, the holidays are sort of like the Oscars, the Super Bowl, and the Miss America Pageant rolled into one. Not for showing off, but for trying all the things you’ve been wanting to try for people you love. Happy chaos. A hundred people in the kitchen, loud and boisterous, the sound of plates and forks, shouts of “Is this the vegetarian one?” “Who made this?” and the inevitable, “I did, but it’s too dry/not good/not the best/a new recipe,” coming from Mom or one of my aunts. Then, as the noise migrates to the tables for a while, and my Dad would slip out (always the first in line with a plate, and the first to cut into the pie for “just a sliver” of each one) to start the dishes. Solo, and quiet, he’d be finished almost before anyone noticed, and in time for him to sneak out of the house for a little peace while we’d all break out the karaoke machine or start up some living room line dancing. Yeah, not everyone’s tradition maybe, but always ours. Last year was different, as we lost him in the spring. Never loud, never one to fill the air with useless words, he was the quiet, strong, and unbelievably kind heart of my family for sure. The one who could magically make so many things happen (including all the Thanksgiving dishes) with no fanfare or announcement, and while he never loved crowds, he loved our crowd. I mean, he loved knowing we were there, doing the Macarena, while he sat on the porch of his garage and dozed off quietly. I will never not be grateful for all of those Thanksgivings, and for having him as long as we did. This year will be different still. Not only because of all of the 2020/Pandemic accommodations- the drastically smaller table, on the deck for safety, masks, and probably a few FaceTime or Zoom calls. We lost Charlotte suddenly in June, and I know that as my Mom gets things together, and Sue has been prepping what she’s fixing for her smaller family dinner, that loss is more acute than it has been. Our table will have at least 4 fewer dishes, and likely nothing with Cool Whip (or whipped cream), as she loved a light dessert, and was a master at them. No telling her we’re eating at noon so she arrives by 12:30, with all of her dishes and the dollhouse and all its furniture for her granddaughters. I could list a thousand things about both of them, but I won’t. L to R: My mom, Phyllis, Charlotte, and Sue. My awesome dad in the background, the year he had a beard for the holidays. What I will say is that if you have your people, even if you can’t see them today, be thankful for them. If your traditions are weird, or not what your Norman Rockwell idea of Thanksgiving should be, they’re still yours. Today, and every day, I’m grateful for my people- family, friends, and clients, and for all of those holidays past. For every weirdo salad someone brought that combined Jello and cheese, or peas and mayonnaise. For every Electric Slide and Judds Christmas karaoke song. For the family gatherings that my ex husband would always say he enjoyed, but why did they have to last 7 hours? For the people we’ve lost, but were so blessed to have. For the people we have. For too many carbs, and too much pie, and for that turkey that’s usually not that great. Wishing you a wonderful day, whatever this year looks like. One day, this one too will be a memory, so here’s to making it memorable, not worrying too much that it doesn’t feel quite the same, and finding gratitude in those little things. They are for sure the ones we miss when they’re gone.

If you’ve spent any time on Zillow (and I know you probably have!) you have probably wondered how accurate those numbers actually are. It’s one of those things- when you want to sell, you really want that number high, but when you’re ready to buy, you want it to be low. Human nature, right? Well, it can’t be right all the time, and it’s often not wrong when we want it to be. What all of us who actually work in real estate all day, every day would LIKE to say is, “Don’t pay any attention to Zillow.” Just don’t look at it. But we know that’s not going to happen. So, after it popping up in conversations with clients a few times in the past couple of weeks, in a few ways, I thought I’d break it down for you, FAQ style. Q: Are the numbers right? A: Well, that’s not a straight yes or no answer. Zillow, like many things, uses a complicated algorithm. This is based on recently sold homes (in Mls or not), tax records and assessments, and other bits of public info available. All of this information gets mashed up and that’s what creates the estimate. Tax records have the house listed as 5 bedrooms instead of 4? Public records didn’t update that you added a bathroom? Someone in the City or County make a mistake entering info? You get the idea. Bad info in, bad info out. (One of the MANY reasons you want to get a permit if you’re added baths, bedrooms, etc.) Q: Well, where do they get their information? A: As I mentioned above, that info is compiled from sales data, public records, etc, on around 100 million homes in the US. Q: What if my info is wrong? Can I correct it so my Zestimate is accurate? A: Well, kind of. You can, in fact, correct it. It is not usually quick, nor easy. You do have to reach out to them directly, and it may take some follow up. Even if you correct it, though, the correction may not change your Zestimate. If you put in a new basement bathroom, but that doesn’t add a lot of value in your neighborhood or area, you’re not going to see a real bump in the Zestimate. Q: My house is the nicest house in the neighborhood, my lot is twice as large, and I have so much more square feet! Why is the Zestimate only $5000 more than my neighbor’s? A: Well, Zillow can only work with the data it has, and the more data, generally, the more accurate the information is. If you have a neighborhood with many similar homes, that sell fairly regularly, your Zestimate will likely be somewhat accurate. If you have a great house in a rural area that doesn’t have a lot of turnover? Well, that will not be so accurate. A few other thoughts and things to note. There is no substitute for a realtor, with experience and knowledge of your area, to give you an accurate valuation of your home. Zillow has no real way of knowing if your home (or the one you are looking at) has 2000 square feet of shag carpet, or 2000 square feet of the highest quality hardwoods. They even disclose that their average Zestimate can be up to 10% inaccurate on average. While it’s a great tool to get started, and it’s certainly user friendly, you can’t been hands on accuracy. (Don’t get me started on the listings it regurgitates every so often that have already sold and closed!) If you have questions about Zillow, or what I do, please reach out and let me know. If you’re just toying with the idea of buying or selling a home, message or call me. I’d love to talk, and it costs nothing to have a conversation and get a good valuation!

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, chances are you’re getting tons of advice from everyone you talk to. It can be pretty overwhelming. I’d love to share with you 3 home buying myths you need to know if you’re considering homeownership. These will hopefully help debunk some of the things you may be hearing from people who want to give their advice with the best of intentions, but who probably aren’t professionals. MYTH #1: You Have to Put 20% Down to Purchase a Home This is probably the biggest home buying myth of all time! Putting a minimum of 20% down on a house does have some financial benefits .. BUT, contrary to popular belief, it isn’t required. There are a number of options when it comes to financing your home so you’ll want to meet with a local lender to discuss them before jumping head first into the process. Did you know there are loans that require as little as 3% down as well as resources for buyers struggling with down payment money. First time home buyer? There are some great programs out there just for you. MYTH #1 Tip: Do not get pre-approved from an online lender. Find someone local who you can actually sit down with, understand your options and make the best decision for your financial future. I have some great lenders locally who I work with regularly. Trust me- I’ve been doing this a minute, and the ability to have someone locally is invaluable! MYTH #2: It Doesn’t Matter if I Don’t Have a Real Estate Agent Some buyers prefer not to commit to working with one specific agent and therefore don’t take advantage of hiring a buyer’s agent. This means they’re on their own for scheduling showings, being alerted of new listings and when it comes time to negotiations, they won’t have anyone working in their best interest. Not having an agent on your home buying team can even prevent you from getting an accepted offer on the house you really love. You may not be educated on the market or how quickly you need to make a move. It could also result in you losing money or overspending because you don’t have anyone negotiating on your behalf. I don’t know about you, but if I’m buying my first house, or any house for that matter, that does not sound like a situation I want to be in. Finally, as a buyer, you don’t pay the buyer’s agent a thing. While some folks think that means they’ll save money, they usually don’t- the commission is set by the homeowner and the listing agent (so no agent often just means they get it all) in addition to all of the value you get from a buyer’s agent listed above. MYTH #3: Wait Until “Spring” to Start Looking For Homes Real Estate Agents hear this ALL. THE. TIME. I want to share why you shouldn’t wait for a specific time of year to start your home search, especially Spring. There is less competition when you’re not in the prime months for buying and selling real estate. Buying in the “off season” could save you money because there are less buyers out which means less potential competition when writing an offer. It’s best to start your home search when you are ready rather than waiting for a certain time of year. There are always new listings coming on the market and you could be missing your perfect house if you want to start your search until a specific time of year. If you’re considering homeownership, you’re already ahead of the game by knowing about these 3 myths. Your next step should be to sit down with me. I’d love to go over the entire process with you and set you up for success. What questions can I answer?

Before you get really excited that there’s going to be a fantastic reveal of a super cute office space at the end of this… don’t. We all work from home a little differently. I work from home the way I work from home, and that’s not at a desk. It never has been, and at this point, it probably never will be. On the sofa, at the table, on the patio. Yes. All of those. Like most people I know, I’ve been working more from home and generally spending more time there these past couple of months. I’m so thankful that I do something that enables me to continue to work, to work remotely, to work from home, but boy, sometimes that’s a LOT of home. I’ll confess, my office is not just an office. It’s our third bedroom, a storage space, where my son’s rowing machine lives, a home for my printer, my signs, and even my crockpot… For the last few years, it’s become known as “The Indoor Shed.” Right at the same time I hit the point of “I can’t stand this any more!” I won a virtual organizing session with Mary Davis, organizer extraordinaire, and her company In Good Order. Talk about perfect timing! This is embarrassing! When she asked what space I wanted to tackle, it was a no brainer, even though I honestly wasn’t sure how we could begin to wrangle it in to shape. So here’s how it went… First we did a little walk through (via FaceTime, naturally) and I showed her the horror that was this space. Too much stuff, too much variety, too many piles… you get the idea… UGH. What a disaster. And where to even start?? Mary first had me pull everything out (yes, everything) and sort it all into “like” piles. All the paper. All the craft supplies, all the client gifts, notecards, etc. So many piles!!                 Once we got all those piles sorted, we determined what sort of containers and what sort of storage we needed to hold alllll that stuff. (And let's be honest, some things got tossed, and others didn't deserve their own categories.) The finished product? Well, that was pretty much amazing. Talk about an extreme makeover! I can actually find things, I'm not stepping over everything, and the only things in that room are actually things that I need. In case you can't tell, I'm a BIG fan of In Good Order, and Mary Davis. If you're stuck on a spot in your home, or your business, and just can't seem to get things organized, she can help! The final product? Here you go! (Big difference, right??)

You’re never just buying a house, you’re buying a home, and a lifestyle. That means when you’re writing out your list of must have home features and deal breakers, you need to think beyond the “house data” and figure out which features to focus on that will give you the lifestyle you want for yourself or your family. As a buyer, you might determine you’re looking for a 3 bedroom home with a finished basement on at least an acre, with an updated kitchen. What you really might be looking for, though, is a place to raise your growing family, a kitchen that overlooks the private backyard where you can watch your kids play catch while you make dinner, and extra space in the basement for games, toys and movie night! (That’s just an example but I think you get the idea.) So the lifestyle you are going to have in your new home is something you want to consider- probably the most important thing to consider- when determining which home features are best for your needs. LOCATION MATTERS FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE. You hear it all the time in the real estate world – location, location, location… and that’s because it’s true! Because while you can change paint colors, counter tops and put on that massive deck you’ve always dreamed of, you can’t move your house to a new spot (not without a lot of money anyways). Think of things like what your work commute will be like, how far you’re willing to drive each day, the features you want in your community, and the school district you want to be in if that is important to you. Do you want to be in walking distance to shops and restaurants? Do you want to be set further back from the road for privacy? Do you want the feel of a small community lifestyle or are you happier in a more bustling, larger neighborhood with lots of clubs and amenities? The location of your home will be something that isn’t going to change so figure out what is essential to you when it comes to that location and the lifestyle it will create! Now let’s talk about the home features that fit your lifestyle. When you think of home features it’s easy to jump right to that running list of criteria- the size of the garage, how many bedrooms, that “must have” updated kitchen and all of the “house data” I mentioned. Remember, though- you are ultimately buying a lifestyle, not just a house. I have some things for you to consider when you’re making that list of “must haves.” Write down these questions and really think about what your answers are: Where do you spend most of your time at home? If you love to cook and spend most of your time in the kitchen, you definitely want to prioritize the layout of the kitchen when looking for a home. You can always add in upgraded quartz countertops or that double oven but the size, layout and location of the kitchen should be a top concern if you don’t want to do any major renovations. What is something you wish you had in your current home? What is something you don’t want any longer in your current home? Is your yard too much to maintain and you yearn for something smaller with less maintenance? Maybe it’s the opposite and your current yard is just too small. Is a bigger yard, that you can fill with kids (or dogs, or both!), great cookouts, and maybe a garden, on your list? Which room in your house do you spend the most time in? How much space do you need to live comfortably and be able to enjoy the things you love the most? Are you hoping to have enough bathrooms to avoid chaotic mornings? These questions will help you determine which features could be the most important to focus on when the time comes to look for a new home. Maybe features like hardwood floors aren’t as necessary as having a layout that is perfect for entertaining and hosting holiday parties. You can always swap out flooring later but the layout is definitely more difficult (and more expensive!) to change. Think about how much time you want to put into your house. Do home flipping shows on HGTV resemble your homeownership goals? Many buyers are intent on finding a house they can remodel exactly they want they want. That’s great! However, lots of folks don’t realize how much work, time and money it can take. HGTV can make remodeling and flipping houses look a lot easier than it is in reality. Consider how much time you have to spend on home projects before getting yourself into something that is over your head and potentially over your budget which leads us to… Your lifestyle budget. Lastly, make sure to budget for your lifestyle, not just your house. It’s important to consider how much you can afford comfortably, not just what you can afford on paper. Many buyers are pre-approved for a significantly higher amount than what they are actually comfortable spending on a monthly basis. Think about other expenses you have when it comes to your lifestyle – what else is important to you? Do you love to travel or go out to nice dinners on a regular basis? Do you love attending as many games of your favorite football team as possible? What hobbies do you have that cost money every month? Make sure the amount you spend on your house doesn’t eat up all of your extra funds so you’re chained to the house and can’t have any fun doing the things you love! There you go- some of the top lifestyle considerations for buying a home. Location, home features that fit your lifestyle, how much work you’re willing to do and don’t forget to budget for your lifestyle! If you’re considering buying a new home in the near future and you want to chat more about the type of lifestyle you’re looking for, comment below or send me a direct message so we can set up a time to grab coffee!