My New York dream home - will it suit my needs and how do I find it?

The first step to being the proud owner of your New York dream home is to actually search for such a home. Calmly and logically, you need to jot down all the advantages and features that you would like in your home.

Naturally, while in hot pursuit of this dream you are going to be excited about the future you envision a happy and contented life for you and your family.

Having a clear idea of all the New York housing requirements even before you start hunting for your dream home is vital. This will save you a lot of time and money.

The three most important factors that you should look for are location, style and cost.

Location

Where you live is as important as the house you live in. Your family lifestyle, your work commute, recreational and other facilities are points to consider while deciding on a location. Urban houses are generally close to all amenities but are smaller in size, whereas, suburban houses are much larger but further away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

When considering your move, you should identify neighborhood features that benefit you and the environment. Make sure that you check out only the safe neighborhoods. Other services that you may want to look at are:

 

New York Schools
Work
New York Transportation
Places of Worship
Hospital/Fire Department/Police Department
Recreation
Family/Friends
Doctor/Dentist/Other professional services

There are many other factors you should consider when choosing the location of your New York dream home. For example, have property values risen or fallen in the neighborhood?

Future development can also affect New York property values and property taxes, so you?ll want to consider whether there are any changes to zoning proposed or any major developments planned.

Type of New York Houses

Check out the kind of New York house you?d like to buy. Obviously, cost becomes a major factor in choosing the type, but maintenance and appreciation are also important factors.

 

Single Family
Semi-Detached
Duplex
Row / Townhouse
High-Rise Condominium
Mobile
Pre-fabricated
Apartment

 

Fill out a Online Mortgage Application to help you in deciding exactly what can you afford and what will be the best option for you. It contains more detailed information on each of the different types of properties, as well as advantages and disadvantages of buying a new construction home vs. an older home.

Style and Costs

A list of all the features will help you in deciding on the style of your New York house. However, you have to be realistic and also consider the costs for all the amenities. Try to be pragmatic about what you are looking for.

Buying a New York home involves a lot of financial considerations. Keep these aspects in mind when choosing your home:

 

Exterior condition
Check the condition of the roof, brick, mortar, paint, siding, decks and patios.
Energy efficiency
What type of heating and insulation does the home have? Is the entire house insulated?
Air quality
Does the house smell clean and fresh? Check for conditions and materials that will maintain a healthy indoor environment.
Structural problems
Doors and windows that stick and uneven floors can indicate problems.
Test the water pressure
Turn on the taps or flush the toilet.
Is there parking?
Does the home have a private or shared driveway?
How long has the house been on the market?
If the house has attracted few buyers in a long time, there may be major problems with the house.

Next: How to Find the New York Home For Sale that you have decided will suit your needs.

Get New York Real Estate Info from the Government.