Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Scott Sims and Candice  (soon to be Sims!).  I am helping them with the purchase of a home in the Midway Hollow area of Dallas where they plan to live for at least the next five years.  Scott has always had an eye for homes at a discount and the house that I dug up for them here is no exception.  He is prepared to roll up his sleeves and do a little work to this particular 1950′s pier and beam home.  This should help him realize an even greater return when he goes to sell it.  The process up to this point has been an arduous one as a buyer and seller rarely see eye to eye and this was no exception. In his defense though,  I have also heard that he has a pretty good real estate agent working for him as well!

This most recent real estate transaction got me thinking.  How can a buyer think like Scott even if almost every need or want they are looking for might be completely different.  For example,  what if you’re looking in Plano vs. Dallas.  Maybe your price point is completely different as well.  You might have a preference of newer construction vs. older.  The list goes on and on. 

Well, I think I can organize the thought process for buyers into a few general key areas that can help you make a good decision in your home purchase as well.  First of all, If you’re looking to buy a home that you can live in forever, you should consider future-proofing. Future-proofing aptly describes the process of buying a home with an eye to the future. It’s about where you are in your life and where you’re going. Are you a couple thinking about becoming parents? Are you a family with kids who will soon leave the nest? Or are you a savvy buyer looking for location? In all cases, future-proofing is the way to go.

First, check for amenities that suit your current and future lifestyles. If you’re family-conscious, that means more than establishing whether there’s a school nearby. It means ensuring that there are lots of young families in the neighborhood, as evidenced by parked bikes, swing sets and toys. You’ll want to make certain there are parks nearby, as well as libraries, recreation centers and cultural activities. A daytime scouting trip should give you a feel for this, but as important is an evening drive. Those charming bars and cafes that lend sophistication to a neighborhood in daytime may become sources of noise and mischief at night.

Safety should be a key concern. Can the kids safely walk to school? Are there bike lanes or a block parent program? There should be sidewalks on at least one side of the road, maybe traffic calming devices and, of course, good street lighting.  Does the neighborhood feel safe? While you might be happy that there are stores and restaurants in your new area, if you’re planning to be there for the long term, be sure to check with the city planning department to ensure that there are no upcoming unpleasant surprises, such as a new highway two blocks over. Your real estate agent can help with this.  Think sustainability. A neighborhood that preserves its natural assets and prizes green space will be a good place to live for a long time.  Old shade trees, big yards and gardens, and walking trails are not only environmentally sensible, but make the neighborhood a prettier place to live, now and in the future.

In the end, whether you’re looking in an established subdivision of Dallas like Caruth Terrace or the Midway Hollow area or a newer development like Starwood or Heritage Lakes in Frisco.  A  strong real estate agent with local knowledge can help you successfully find, negotiate and buy a home right while minimizing potential future regrets from a bad purchase.