Home buyer
Knowing the value of what you want
These 4 Things Will Make Your Home Buying Experience More Productive.
The Madison, Dane county area offers some of the most varied housing options in the country; as a result, you have many exceptional options. It is important to focus in on some specifics in order to make your search as productive as possible. Some of the key things that you should determine early on are the follows:
Your Budget
For obvious reasons, this is probably the single most important thing. The price of a property depends on a variety of factors — size, location, type of property, condition and features, among others — so it is critical that you determine your budget at the outset. As most buyers obtain a mortgage to finance the purchase, it is important that you become preapproved before starting your search. Please review our mortgage section for more information about the benefits of being preapproved.
Location
Dane County has dozens of cities and towns, each with its own flavor and character. A number of factors can effect where you live: you might want to be close to work or your children's schools; maybe being close to a park is important; perhaps being close to great restaurants and cafes is key. The good news is that Dane County offers something for everyone.
House Size and Features
Do you need a three or four bedroom house? A large family room? A separate dining room or a home office? Is access to water important? While determining which features are important, always keep in mind that there is a price for each one. Prioritize them based on how much you are willing to pay for each.
Property Type and Amenities
The last major item that needs to be resolved is what type of property you want to purchase. First, you need to decide if you prefer a house or a condo. Next, determine if you prefer a resale or new home. Both a resale and a new home offer advantages. Existing homes are less expensive on average, and are generally closer to, and enjoy the warmth and surroundings of, established neighborhoods. New homes, on the other hand, offer innovative use of space, modern energy efficiency, and choices of options and upgrades. What's more, everything is new — even the neighbors.