SPOTLIGHTS

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Open Houses: In Search of the Perfect Home

Finding the perfect home can be stressful for some while others enjoy the time spent looking home of all different shapes and sizes.

As a serious home shopper, you need to be organized and know what you want.

1. Make a list of your requirements for the home and neighborhood that you want. Consider things like area schools, time it takes you to travel to work, community demographics, and services available such as grocery stores, gas station or shopping malls.

2. Figure out what time of neighborhood is right for you and your family. Talk to family, friends or co-workers to get an idea if the area is right for your family.

3. Make a list of the features you NEED in your new home and the features that you WANT. Considering your options of making improvements to your home in the future to add the 'wants' can sometimes give you more flexibility in finding a home.

4. Look at homes in your price range. Looking for homes that don't fit your budget will only frustrate you as you continue your search.

5. Drive the area to get an idea of what it is like. Not only drive through the day of the open house but drive through in the evening or morning too.