Most people hope they will find just one home that they are interested in purchasing, but what happens when you find yourself in the unique situation where you have fallen in love with two homes? House hunting can be a very stressful process and it is usually something people are eager to wrap up. However, you don’t want to rush into making a decision when it comes to something as major as a home. If you find yourself torn between two houses, there are a few things to take into consideration so you can make a smart decision that you will be comfortable with in the end. Before you start to panic, carefully consider the following items so you can make a logical decision that works best for your family.

1. Location

When it comes to buying a home they always say, “location, location, location!” That’s because you can change a lot of things about your home but you cannot change its location. Therefore, carefully compare neighborhoods and think about their proximity to work, school, shopping, exercise facilities, and other places you visit regularly.

2. Resale Value

Selling the home might not be top priority on your mind right now, but it’s extremely important to consider resale value down the road. Even if you think this home will be your “forever home,” circumstances can always change so it’s important to consider resale value. Here are some things to consider: Which neighborhood is more desirable? Is this the nicest house on the block or does it fall in the middle? What are the neighborhood schools like? Is the home close to a noisy street or interstate? Are there many foreclosures in the area? Are home values in the neighborhood going up or down? It’s always important to consider your return on investment in case you do plan to sell your home down the road.

3. School District

If you have children or are planning to, schools can often be the deciding factor. Be sure to research the elementary, middle and high schools in both areas and consider this when deciding which home is right for you. Even if you do not have children, living in a neighborhood with good schools is important for resale value.

4. Lifestyle and Amenities

Think about which home best suits your current lifestyle. For example, do you have small children and enjoy going to a nearby park? Are you a dog lover and in search of a nice neighborhood to walk your pooch? Perhaps you love to jog or bike and one home is closer to paved trails. In addition to these outdoor amenities, consider the indoor amenities as well. For example, is one home better for entertaining than the other? Does one have a larger master closet to better accommodate your shoe collection? Do you have more than one vehicle and need a home with additional garage space? Think about how well each home will cater to your specific lifestyle and interests.

5. Size and Storage

Think about the square footage of each home and decide which one will best fit the needs of your family. Is there room to add on if you would like to in the future? Likewise, consider storage and which one best fits your needs. Closets, attic, garage, and basements might not always be top on your priority list but lack of storage can be very frustrating down the road.

6. The Condition of the Homes

Is one house in better condition than the other? Does one seem to be well-maintained while the other needs more work? Do they require additional updates and repairs? It is important to consider both cosmetic repairs as well as structural and maintenance issues. You could end up spending a lot of money to get the house the way you want it. Be sure to factor the cost of repairs and updates into your budget.

7. Safety

Safety is extremely important so you want to take that into consideration when comparing two homes. For example, that chic house in the city may have quite the charm but the other house in the suburbs is much safer. You can check the crime rates for each neighborhood and also check for other amenities such as a gated community, security, surveillance cameras, or neighborhood watch programs. This can help you choose the home that is located in the safest community.

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