BeverlyMolfino

How do I determine what I am looking for?

How can I most effectively view a residential property?

How do I determine what I am looking for? There are so many properties for sale to choose from!

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To help you choose the best property for your particular needs, it is important to understand what your personal objectives are, so you can present these to me. I can then have a clear picture of what you are looking for and help you find a property that meets your needs, be it residential, vacant land, commercial, or property with investment or development potential.

When purchasing a home, one of your primary objectives will be to secure a residence that meets the needs of your family. Here are a few things to consider:

Community

What is important to you? Proximity to employment? Proximity to schools? Is shopping or public transportation important? Do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural or suburban community on the Hamakua Coast or in Kohala, or the hustle and bustle of the city life in Hilo, Kona or Waimea? Where on the Big Island do people with a lifestyle similar to yours live?

Schools

Are schools an important consideration for your family? What do you want? Diversity? Proximity? Excellent testing scores? Public or private?

How long will you live in this house?

It's never too early to start planning your exit strategy from this new investment. Estimating the length of your expected residence in this home impacts many issues, including mortgage options, resale implications, and the amount of space you need.

Price

It is critical to understand what you can comfortably afford to pay for your home. Use my calculator to determine this number. I can help keep your home purchase within your budget.
 

Please tell me about your needs, and let me help you find exactly what it is you are looking for.

How can I most effectively view a residential property?

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Once you have decided what you are looking for and you are touring prospective new homes, it is critical to distinguish between a home's "skin" and its "bones". The "bones" are the aspects of a home that cannot be changed, such as location, lot size, physical configuration, environment (social and physical), schools, and other fixed features, typically the features you decided on above.

The "skin" of the house, on the other hand, represents superficial qualities like carpet and paint  color, wallpaper, landscaping, and window coverings. While the "skin" can be readily changed, it is beneficial to your budget to consider the related costs.

In evaluating your prospective new home, it is often more important to evaluate the aspects of the home that cannot be changed than the superficial qualities of the house, which can be altered to suit your particular needs and tastes. To the fullest extent possible, try to imagine the house empty and "skinless". Keep in mind what you are looking for: community, schools, your time line, and the cost of living in the home your are viewing.

I can help you see the "bones" through the "skin". Please tell me a little bit about your real estate needs.