Uh-oh. You’ve been looking at homes with your REALTOR® and have it narrowed down. This is great! But there’s a problem. You’re stuck deciding between two homes you love. What should you do? How can you decide which home you should make an offer on?

Narrowing Down the Home Buying Decision

This actually happens more often than you may think. Real estate professionals will encourage you to follow this checklist and see which home edges forward to become the clear winner.

Location

• Compare the styles of the homes. Which architecture do you like better?
• Lot size. Which size meets your needs best?
• The view, noise, and light. Do you love the view, the neighbors, the level of noise from nature and/or the neighborhood? How’s the natural light in each room? Can you hear a lot of traffic noise?  
• Safe neighborhood. How does the community rank for crime and better overall safety?
• Amenities. Which home is conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, medical offices, schools, parks, and all of the amenities important to you? If you wanted to take a walk in the evening are there sidewalks or wide road shoulders?

Cost & Value

• Dollar to dollar comparison. How does each home compare with their list price? Closing costs? Any applicable homeowner’s association fees?
• Value. Which home packs the most value for the price? It may not be the one with the lower price.

Permanent or Changeable

• Live with it or change it. Some things are easier to change about a home than others. For example, changing paint colors is simple. Changing where the swimming pool is located or removing overgrown trees takes a bit more planning. Carefully, consider which things are permanent and you’ll just need to live with. When you first buy a home, your budget for remodeling may be limited.

Future Resale Potential

• Resale Ability. While we can’t predict what the future housing market will be with certainty, there are characteristics for higher resale potential. How do these two homes compare with other homes nearby?
• Location & Desirability. Is the home in a location that is up-and-coming? Close to in-demand jobs or college campuses or a military base? Is the home one of the nicest in the community meaning it may decline slower and be more desirable later on?

Schools & Job & Long-Range Plans

• Plans. Will this home be adaptable for aging-in-place if you would like to live here into your retirement years? Is it large enough to accommodate a growing family?
• Schools. If you would like to have your children attend a specific school district, are you in the correct boundary lines?
• The commute. Would living here shave time off your daily commute? If you’ve dreamed of having a home-based business, is there space for a home office or workshop?

As you start comparing the two homes, one should shift ahead—ticking more boxes and meeting more of your needs. This is a good thing. It’s affirming plus shows your love is stronger for your ideal home. It’s my pleasure to help you weigh your options and find your next home. Reach out any time to chat or schedule a time to view some listings.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers every year and was the #1 Top Producing agent in 2019 citywide. Sara is an American Dream TV Power Player who shares Houston real estate news with television viewers. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.