Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of our 8-week series, How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget! As a real estate expert specializing in the Atlanta metro area, I know that finding your dream home means balancing your priorities. Whether you’re focused on a specific neighborhood or your next home’s features, this guide will help you identify what matters most and how to make it work within your budget.

What’s Your Priority: Location or Home Features?

When you think about your next home, what excites you more?

• Living in a vibrant neighborhood near your favorite restaurants, bike trails, or cultural hotspots?
• Having amazing home features, like a chef’s kitchen, a luxurious primary suite, or a spacious yard?

Most buyers lean toward being either a “location person” or a “house person.” Understanding your priorities will guide us to your perfect home. My goal is always to match you with the best possible combination of both, working within your budget.

How We Balance Priorities

If you’re clear on what matters most, we can craft a strategy for your home search:

1. For the Location Person:

You know the mantra: “location, location, location.” If being close to amenities, specific schools, or a particular vibe is most important, we’ll focus on areas that fit your lifestyle. To stretch your budget, consider:

• Smaller homes or fixer-uppers.
• Exploring townhomes or condos instead of single-family homes.
• Looking at homes on the outskirts of your dream neighborhood while still enjoying its amenities.

2. For the House Person:

If features like space, design, or functionality are your priorities, we’ll search for homes that meet your criteria, even if that means being flexible on location. This approach often makes it easier to find the right fit for your budget, as it expands your options.

Three Lists to Clarify Your Priorities

Taking time for self-reflection will help narrow your focus. Use these prompts to create three key lists:

1. What Do You Want in a Location?

Think about:

• Urban, suburban, or rural vibes.
• Proximity to work, schools, or public transportation.
• Access to parks, shops, or entertainment.

2. What Features Matter Most in Your Home?

Consider:

• Space needs: bedrooms, storage, yard size.
• Specific features: gourmet kitchen, home office, garage.
• Style: single-family home, townhome, or condo.

3. What Are Your Dealbreakers?

Identify what you absolutely can’t compromise on. Examples might include:

• Long commute times.
• Lack of parking or storage.
• Homes on busy streets.

Why This Matters

Your priorities determine your strategy. Are you focused on staying within a specific school district or finding a home with all your must-haves? Clarifying these details ensures we’re targeting the right options for you.

Let’s Get Started

Whether you’re a “house person” or a “location person,” I’m here to help you navigate Atlanta’s diverse real estate market. Together, we’ll create a plan to find a home that aligns with your dreams, needs, and budget.

Stay tuned for next week’s article, The 3 Steps Most Buyers Skip When Buying a Home. It’ll cover how to stay on budget while making smart financial decisions for your purchase.

If you have questions or want to start planning your move, reach out anytime. Let’s make your dream home a reality!