When looking for home space

CEBU, Philippines - Whether you intend to own the place or simply rent it, looking for home space is really a major move. If you're single and living alone, your home is your personal refuge from the troubles of the world. If you're married, the home is where you raise your family.

Before deciding which place to settle in, consider your lifestyle, current and anticipated housing needs and budget. It's a good idea to create a prioritized list of features you want in your new home space; you'll quickly discover finding the right place involves striking a balance between your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves."

If you love to cook, you'll appreciate a well-equipped kitchen. If you're into gardening, you'll want a yard. If a home office is a must, you'll need a room that will provide you adequate work space. If you have several cars, you may require a larger garage.

Next, think about what you might need in the future, and how long you are likely to live in this particular place. If you're newly married, you might not be concerned with a school district right now, but you could be in a few years. If you're living with ageing parents, you may want to look at home units that offer living arrangements that could accommodate them as well.

It's important to think about your new home's location just as carefully as its features. In addition to considering the distance to work, evaluate what matters to you in terms of services, convenience and accessibility, such as shopping, police and fire protection, medical facilities, school and daycare, traffic and parking, trash and garbage collection, even recreational facilities.

Also, it's important to consider the type of home that suits you best. Is it a condominium or a co-op? A townhouse or detached single-family home? Do you want brick, stone, stucco, wood, vinyl siding, or something else? Do you prefer a new home or an older one?

Be sure to consult a qualified real estate agent about your plans - where you want to live and what's most important to you. While buyers may use the Internet to gain access to listings or available properties for sale, an agent brings value to the entire home buying process. He or she can help analyze data, answer questions, share professional expertise, and - if it gets to it - handle all the paperwork and legwork involved in any real estate transaction. A real estate professional can help you narrow down your choices by sharing market trends and local information.

Now that you know what you're looking for, the next step is figuring out what type of home space you can afford. How much money can you possibly allot for home space? A thorough review of your income, savings, monthly expenses and current debt is necessary. Again, a qualified real estate agent can help you sort it all out.

If you want to own a house rather than just rent, consider availing of a housing loan. It is probably possible to pre-apply for a loan while you are still looking for your ideal place. Ready money enables you to move swiftly when you find the right property, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and can afford to buy the property.

Remember that you cannot be frequently looking around for a home space. So make it a serious undertaking. Study your requirements - as well as your resources. Ask for help from a real estate professional. And good luck on your search!

(Main Reference: century21.com) (FREEMAN)