What Should You Prioritize When Buying a Home?
House hunting is an exciting experience for many, but for others, it can feel overwhelming. With so many options—or sometimes not enough—it’s natural to wonder: What should I prioritize when buying a home? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. I’m Katie Masters with Streetlight Realty, and today, we’re going to discuss the key factors to consider when searching for your next home.
Location, Location, Location
You’ve heard it in movies, in conversations, and just about everywhere: Location matters. You can change almost everything about a house, but the one thing you can’t change is where it’s located.
When considering location, think about:
- Commute times – How far is it from work or other frequently visited places?
- Nearby schools – If you have children, are the schools well-rated?
- City amenities – Does the area offer what you need in terms of shopping, dining, and entertainment?
Do you want a rural lifestyle with open fields around you, or do you prefer the hustle and bustle of a city? There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what works best for you.
Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
I always advise my clients to create two lists:
- Must-Haves – Features you absolutely need
- Nice-to-Haves – Features that would be great but aren’t deal-breakers
Consider things like:
- A completely remodeled kitchen
- An updated bathroom
- A large yard
- A one-story layout vs. a two-story home
- A garage, a two-car garage, or even a barn
- A kitchen island—do you need one now, or can you add it later?
Having these lists will help you avoid decision fatigue and make the home-buying process much less stressful.
Budget: Looking at the Full Picture
Numbers matter, and your budget goes beyond just the list price. Consider:
- Property taxes – Some areas have significantly higher rates than others.
- HOA fees – If applicable, factor in potential monthly or annual costs.
- Maintenance costs – Even if you can afford the mortgage, can you handle upkeep and repairs?
A home’s true cost extends beyond your monthly mortgage payment, so make sure to account for everything before making a decision.
Condition and Future Potential
During the buying process, a home inspection is crucial—at least if I’m your agent, because I highly recommend it! Even if it’s love at first sight, don’t let emotions blindside you.
An inspection will evaluate the:
- Roof
- HVAC system
- Plumbing
- Electrical systems
Think about the home’s potential, too. Does it already meet your needs, or will it require major renovations? A good home inspector will try to uncover all potential issues, but remember that some hidden problems, called latent defects, may not be immediately visible.
Resale Value and Investment Potential
Even if this is your forever home, life happens—job changes, downsizing, growing families. It’s always smart to consider a home’s resale value.
Homes in high-demand areas, those with good school districts, and those with functional layouts tend to hold their value better. Future-you will thank you for thinking ahead!
Your Home, Your Lifestyle
At the end of the day, your home should fit your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget. Prioritizing what truly matters to you will help you find a home you love. I hope this answers your question: What Should You Prioritize When Buying a Home?
For me, I prioritized space over updates. I have almost five acres, I live in a rural area, and my home isn’t fully remodeled—but I love it because it fits my priorities. Everyone’s needs are different, so make a list of what’s important to you.
If you need guidance on finding the perfect home, let’s talk! I’m Katie Masters with Streetlight Realty and The Miami Valley Experience. I’d love to help you on your journey to buy or sell real estate. Feel free to reach out anytime!
Learn More and Explore Homes!
Want to learn more about buying a home? Check out our videos for home buyers here and get more helpful tips and tricks on our home buyer education page.
If you’re ready to look at homes, visit Streetlight Realtors to find your dream home in the Dayton area.
Contact Team MVE
Ready to find your perfect home or need more help understanding home buying? Reach out to Team MVE:
- Jonas Helbert: (937) 626-4181
- Katie Masters: (937) 901-8177
- Email: mve@streetlightrealtors.com
We’re here to help make your home buying journey easy and fun. Let’s find your dream home together!
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SLR Experts
Streetlight Realty is located in Washington Twp, OH, and serves the entire Miami Valley. Whether you are looking to buy or sell real estate, we have experts who can assist you in the process. You can call Jonas Helbert at 937-626-4181 or Katie Masters at 937-901-8177 with any Real Estate questions. We are here to help!