Years of experience has proven to me that people constantly change their search criteria as they go along. There are things you can change about a home, and things that are impossible or too expensive to change. The point is, do not limit your search too much for things that are easily changed or you may miss something you really want! This is a critical purchase and I have infinite patience in finding you the right home. This is way too important for either of us to be in a hurry. Put me to work on helping you find what you want and I will leave NO STONE UN-TURNED!
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Location
Once you decide on Camarillo (who wouldn’t?), then the possibilities are endless. Consider what you want in your neighborhood, what is important to you? Types and quality of nearby homes? Homeowners Associations? Proximity to shopping, schools, freeways, agriculture, road noise, golf, country clubs, senior activities? Once you buy you can’t change the location!
Lot size
The popular phrase: “You get what you get” and in the amount of land that is true. If the lot is too big, consider if you want a lifetime of maintaining it. The maintenance may be worth the added re-sale value the larger lots usually bring. If you must have a lot of land, don’t waste your time looking at the smaller lots, you just can’t add land.
View
This is a hard one. Everyone wants a view, very few want to pay the premium price attached to it. Then of course there those who have specific views in mind and prefer an ocean view, mountain view, or those who want to see a city view with twinkling lights at night. Even a sub-standard home will command a premium price if it has a view. They say you can rebuild an entire house, but you can’t build a view. This is not entirely true, some of my clients have created a resort style back yard that becomes the most beautiful view you could ever imagine.
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Number of stories
If you have to have a one story, you can still consider two stories with the master bedroom and important living areas on the first floor. Hint: Some people find a perfect 2 story and do not care if there is a loft or a few bedrooms upstairs. Some even put in an elevator! If cost is a big consideration, then stick to looking only at what you want, a change of stories is expensive. I may have to work a lot harder when you limit the search to one story homes, but hard work is what I do the best!
Floor plans
Don’t laugh because a lot of people change floor plans and are not intimidated by it. Creative people will do anything to live in a certain neighborhood or to get that big lot and elusive view. Moving a wall, making wider hallways, taller ceilings? No problem if the view is great and your budget will allow changes.
Construction
It can be daunting for Realtors to limit their search to homes with tennis courts, horse facilities, swimming pools, guest house, etc. There are those who demand certain amenities and will sacrifice other aspects as long as they get such amenities. Then there are those willing to take on construction. Finding the right location, with the right view, at the right price is really, really important. Consider adding on rooms, adding a pool, guest house, tennis court, or horse facility if the most important criteria is met and it is affordable.
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Paint color, flooring, cabinets, counter tops, popcorn ceilings, roof, and other remodeling projects can be easily done when affordable. All other aspects being equal, don’t let minor changes or upkeep prevent you from getting the best location and price. Think of minor projects as an opportunity to choose your own colors and design instead of settling for someone else’s taste.
Note: If you want to drive me nutty, don’t buy a house because of the paint color!
*For everyone that has read this far, mention this to me and I will pay for your Seller’s home warranty or give a painting credit to Buyers!
