How disappointing would it be to buy a home and then a few months later be unhappy in some way with your decision? Buying a home is too important of an undertaking to have buyer’s remorse after the fact. Before you sign on the dotted line, take some time to think about certain details that may seem unimportant at the time but later may cause aggravation.

·         Probably, most importantly, don’t buy a home you truly can’t afford. It’s easy to fall in love with a home and over extend your budget. Be realistic about what you can spend and avoid becoming house poor, or buyer’s remorse won’t be your only problem.

·         Does the floor plan of the home have a good flow for the needs of your family? Is there enough storage? Is there a spot for your pet’s food and water bowls? This may sound silly to think about but after tripping over your pet’s water bowl and spilling water everywhere for the tenth time, it will not seem so trivial. Does the kitchen have enough cabinet/pantry space? Is there a good spot for a garbage can? You’ll find that being able to organize your kitchen and have everything flow the way you need it is super important. All of these details add up.

·         Are you close enough to all the amenities you need? You may think you want to live out in the country but later realize that the long drive to work or the grocery store is getting old. On the flip side, if you’re moving into a neighborhood, make sure your neighbors aren’t too close for comfort. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

·         If you have children or are planning to have them in the future, investigate the school system in the area to ensure it is acceptable to your needs (there are websites that rate the different school districts in different areas which are generally based on test scores). It’s much more convenient for your children to go to school within the district, especially if you rely on school buses for transportation.

It’s important to really think about what you must have in a home and what you are willing to compromise. Be objective, practical and thoughtful as you narrow down your search and usually you’ll find that one home will rise to the top of your list.