STEP 4: Look at Homes
Some 6 million new and existing homes are sold each year. There’s no shortage of housing options, but with so many choices the challenge becomes finding Durango property which best meets you needs.
The housing market is complicated because the stock of homes for sale is always in flux. If it were possible to have a complete list of every home for sale at this very moment in a given community, such a list would become obsolete within seconds as new home become available and properties now for sale are put under contract.
In effect, buyers are looking at a moving target in a marketplace that is never static. Because of this, it is important to know as much as possible about the choices in preferred markets, and the way to do that is by working closely with a Durango REALTOR® who has a good “lay of the land.”
What Are You Looking For?
A home is more than just a collection of bedrooms and bathrooms. Several Durango properties – each with four bedrooms, three baths, and the same price – may well represent radically different designs, commuting distances, lot sizes, tax costs, interior dimensions, and exterior finishes.
Each of us is different and so it’s important to list the features and benefits you want in a Durango Mountain Home. Consider such things as pricing, location, size, amenities (extras such as a pool or extra-large kitchen) and design (one floor or two, colonial or modern, etc.)
Next, it’s important to consider your priorities. If you can’t get a home at your price with all the features you want, then what features are most important? For instance, would you trade fewer bedrooms for a larger kitchen? A longer commute for a bigger lot and lower costs?
Lastly, consider your needs in several years. If you’ll need a larger home, maybe now is the time to buy a bigger house rather than moving or expanding in the future. If you expect your income to increase, perhaps you should consider a more expensive Durango home financed with a loan program where monthly payments increase in the future.
Where should you look?
All Durango neighborhoods and communities have a special nature that gives them identity and value. Parts of town are known for historic homes while the others offer suburban living.
How do you find a Durango home?
Some buyers like to search REALTOR.com® by looking at listings on the basis of location or price; others prefer to have a Durango REALTOR® suggest properties; and many buyers prefer both approaches.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to target your search. By using basic measures such as general location and affordability, you can refine you search and focus on homes in Durango that offer the most desirable features.
As a guide, you should maintain a file with information on each of the homes you like. You can print out listing pages from REALTOR.com® and then make notes for each one- what you like, questions, REALTOR® contact data, etc.
