How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget

If you’ve been following along with my 8-week series, you already know that finding your next home involves more than just scrolling through Zillow on a Sunday afternoon (though I admit, that’s pretty fun!). It requires a strategy and knowing your budget and I’m here to make sure you have the tools to nail it.

In previous weeks, we covered the essentials: financing, location, and figuring out your home’s must-haves. But before you dive into house hunting, there’s one final piece of the puzzle you need to grasp: how to get your big three—budget, location, and criteria—into perfect alignment.

This isn’t just some fancy real estate jargon; it’s the roadmap to your new home, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Why Alignment Matters

You might be itching to start those open house tours, but hold your horses (or should I say, hold your Huskies? We are in Northern Colorado, after all!). The reason you need to slow down and align your big three is simple: you don’t want to end up in a home that doesn’t fit your budget, in a location that’s all wrong, or with features that don’t match your lifestyle.

Getting these three in sync means you’re more likely to find a home that you’ll love not just today, but for years to come.

The 3 Buckets: Budget, Location, and Criteria

I like to think of these three key elements as buckets. Each bucket needs to be filled, and they need to balance out. If one is overflowing and the others are half-empty, you’re going to have a tough time finding a home that checks all your boxes.

1. Budget Bucket

First things first, what’s your budget? This isn’t just about how much house you think you can afford; it’s about what you want to pay each month without sacrificing your lifestyle (because you still need to afford your coffee at the Bean Cycle, right?).

Start with your monthly payment comfort zone, figure out what you’ve got for a down payment (including what you might make from selling your current home), and let your lender and I guide you from there. We’ll work together to make sure you’re looking in the right price range from the get-go.

2. Location Bucket

Where do you want to live? Northern Colorado has so much to offer, from the charming streets of Old Town Fort Collins to the open spaces of Windsor. Whether you’re drawn to walkable neighborhoods or need easy access to I-25 for commuting, this is the bucket where you decide what matters most in a location.

And hey, if you’re flexible, we can explore some hidden gems you might not have considered. Just remember, the more specific your location requirements, the more you might need to compromise on the other buckets.

3. Criteria Bucket

This is where you list out your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Do you need a big backyard for your golden retriever? A home office with a view of the Rockies? Maybe a garage for all your outdoor gear? Be clear about what’s non-negotiable and what you can live without.

The trick is to prioritize these features after you’ve nailed down your budget and location. Sometimes, you’ll have to adjust your criteria to make the other two buckets work.

Getting Everything in Alignment

Once you’ve filled your buckets, it’s time to balance them. If you’re finding that your dream home is just out of reach, consider adjusting one of your buckets. Maybe you expand your location search or get a little more flexible on the home features. This balancing act is key to landing a home that feels just right.

For example, you’re dead set living in a specific neighborhood. The homes there are out of your price range, you might need to look at smaller homes or consider a bit of a fixer-upper. On the flip side, you’re about the house and not the location. We can look at areas that might offer more home for your money.

When Frustration Sets In

House hunting can be stressful, especially when the market is tight. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and revisit your buckets. Are they balanced? Are you willing to make some adjustments? Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing or being patient for the right home to come on the market.

I’m Here to Help

You don’t have to navigate this process alone. I’m here to help you figure out if your buckets are balanced and whether your expectations match what the market can offer. And if you’re buying and selling at the same time, it’s even more important to get in touch with me early so we can plan your strategy.

By aligning your budget, location, and criteria, you’ll be ready to find the perfect home without the stress of endless searching or settling for something that doesn’t quite fit.

Next up in our series, we’ll dive into something that’s critical whether you have kids or not: What You Need to Know About Buying for Schools. It’s more important than you might think, so stay tuned!