Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. That is why it is a good idea to use a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of the homes that you see and compare their features against your preferences.
Using a spreadsheet for choosing how to buy a home can be a practical and organized way to evaluate your options and make informed decisions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can set up and use a spreadsheet for this purpose:
"Must Have" "Would Like To Have" and "Bonus". In each column, you will list the features that are important to you, such as:
Location: The neighbourhood, the school district, the commute time, the proximity to amenities, etc.
Size: The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, storage spaces, etc.
Price: Max dollar if all your ‘Must Haves’ are met.
Condition: The age, the style, the maintenance, the upgrades, the repairs, etc.
Add any criteria that are relevant to you!
Once you have your spreadsheet or checklist ready, you can use it to evaluate each home that you visit. You can also take notes and photos to help you remember the details.
If you fall a few short and are offering based on the "Would Like To Have," and "Bonus", make sure you save some room in your final price to build or create the "Must Have" and get that list to 100% shortly after closing.
By using a spreadsheet or checklist, you will be able to see which homes meet your expectations and which ones fall short. You will also be able to narrow down your choices and make an informed decision. A spreadsheet or checklist can help you find your ideal home without missing an opportunity or getting overwhelmed.
I know this can sound a little too structured for some and for some this is the PERFECT way to visualize the process.