Where would you like to live?

Uncertain of what you really desire? Is it a luxurious mansion in an inner-ring suburb, a single-family home on an acre of land, or maybe a spectacular condo in the heart of downtown Cleveland or Ohio City? We’re always at your service, happy to assist you with making one of the biggest decisions in your life. Presented below are our tips about what you should consider when searching for a new home. 

Your preferred lifestyle 

When choosing a new place to live, don’t forget to take into consideration not only the housing but also the surroundings. Thinking about the bigger picture is often an exception rather than a rule in the case of a first-time encounter with real estate and can be the primary mistake clients make entering this new territory. It’s quite possible that your lifestyle means you should think beyond the typical single-family home when the time comes to buy your first place.

For example, if you’re a first-time buyer who’s thinking about renting out part of your new home to help pay the mortgage, then you should look at duplexes or other multi-family units. If you plan to live in the unit yourself, you can finance it as your own property, get the same homeowners’ insurance rates as owner-occupiers receive, and maintain a separate space to rent.

There are also condos and apartments, new construction and prefabricated homes, and many other options that might be a better fit for you than a prebuilt single-family home. If you need help figuring out what’s available and what’s a good fit, contact us and we can walk you through the common opportunities in our area and help you pick one or two that fit your lifestyle best.

Your priorities 

It’s time to start wondering about what matters in your life and what you truly need in closest proximity to your new place. Do you hate cooking? Find a place with restaurants near you. Are you a fan of physical activity? Search for a house with multiple gyms close. This kind of thinking will enable you to discover an ideal area for you.        

If you started this process six months ago and haven’t really looked at the listings in the interim, then do yourself a favor and ask our team to set you up with a personalized feed from our local multiple listing service, and then we will walk you through the market realities of today. You’ll want to know that most buyers are paying 5 percent above asking price (or 5 percent below it) if that’s what’s happening so that you can make an educated and intelligent offer when the time comes.

Your plans 

Where do you see yourself in five years? This question sounds like a job interview but it’s useful in case of house hunting. Do you want to start a family, develop your top-notch office career, or maybe work remotely? The answer will affect your choice so give it some thought. 

A neighborhood that’s perfect for you today might be not-so-perfect in five or ten years as people move in and out and the landscape changes. We can help you explore all of the vibrant neighborhoods in and around Cleveland to assist you in finding your perfect fit!