Jim Gilbert's Austin Real Estate Blog

Can You Find the “Perfect” Home?

Perfection is rare in this world. Just look around at people, cars, and simple things like coins. The coins we use in our daily lives, especially after they have been in circulation awhile, are far from perfect. If you want a perfect coin, look for a specially-minted proof coin that is graded MS70 … and expect to pay a lot for it.

It seems that many potential home buyers are looking for the perfect home. Even in the Austin, TX area, you will not find a home, new or resale, which has no defects. Those building homes have less-than-perfect skills, and the materials they use often have some flaw that may not even be visible. As homes age, the number of problems they have (like a roof that is wearing out) increase. Because no home is perfect, Texas new home builders must provide a minimum home warranty.

If you are thinking about buying an Austin area home, you might consider these three things:

1. Look for a home that is perfect for you … one that fits your budget. Weigh wants versus needs, and income versus outgo, and do not buy/borrow more than you can afford. (Getting preapproved for a loan will help you to how much home you can afford.) Then, find a home that has the location and features that fit you, your family and your finances well.
2. Make sure that the loan you get for your home purchase is the perfect loan for you. Loans are more difficult to qualify for these days, but they are available. Compare lenders and loan packages (rates and fees). Make sure that the loan that appears to be the “perfect” loan for you actually is.
3. Get the home inspected by a state-licensed inspector. Inspectors are trained to look at home features and test home systems. They see and discover things that you might not. The inspector’s report will help you evaluate how close to perfect the home you want to buy really is.

Read more home buyer tips and search for Austin area homes on my Austin real estate website via the link below.