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With the multitude of houses on the market today, narrowing your search by specifying your wants and needs is beneficial. So prior to looking, ask yourself these two questions:

1. What kind of home do I want?

You should make three lists: A dream list, a need list and a do-not-want list. Factor in your current housing needs, likes and dislikes and what you may foresee in the future, such as children, schooling, aging parents.

For the dream list, jot down all of the features you would love to have in your home. It might include the following:

• Fireplace
• Swimming pool with Jacuzzi
• Greenhouse
• Breakfast nook
• Two stories
• Skylights

The need list should be the features you know you must have. This list might include:

• Number of bedrooms
• Number of bathrooms
• Bath in the master bedroom
• Separate dining room
• Garage
• Basement

The do-not-want list should include everything you won't be able to live with in your home. This list might include:

• Small bathrooms
• No counter space
• No windows in kitchen/bathroom
• Tiny yard
• Insufficient closet space
• No garage

2. Where do I want to live?
Look at the surrounding houses in the neighborhood. Are the homes and yards well kept? The condition of these homes will affect the value of the home you buy.

Explore the lot thoroughly. Does it offer adequate privacy? Will you maintain the ground or hire someone? Do you like the landscaping or would you design your own?

What kind of area is it in? How close are shopping facilities, banks, churches, hospitals, schools, parks, movie theatres?

Before you make a decision on a particular home, reject locations where negative conditions outweigh the positives. Consider:

• Crime
  Go to the police station and ask for records of robberies, break-ins, vandalism, assaults and drug-related problems in the neighborhood. Is crime increasing or decreasing?
• Traffic
  Heavy traffic produces noise and air pollution. Pay attention to traffic and noise.
• Visually unappealing
  When looking into the back yard, are you greeted with the sight of a transformer, radio broadcasting tower, gas station, bus stop or ball field where night games are played?
• Flooding
  Slope and the soil's ability to absorb water determine where and how fast water drains away from the house.

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E-mail: crystal@albuquerque-realtypro.com  

This copyrighted information is provided courtesy of the Stewart Title Guaranty Company.

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