Before you start touring houses to find your perfect Boston area home, you need to know what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s important to gather anyone involved in the decision and determine the answers to these three questions. Once you have these basic guidelines in mind, it will be easier for your real estate agent to show you homes that suit your unique needs.

What type of home do you want? – Homes in the greater Boston area come in many styles, and your Realtor will need to know if you want a single-family home, townhouse, condo, etc.

What features are “must-have” in your home? – You probably have an idea of what you want but making a physical list can be a huge help for the home search process. Include the categories “must-have” “highly desirable” and “would like” as well as “cannot have.”

How much can you afford to spend? – You’ve likely been pre-approved for a mortgage, but the number that you’re willing to spend may be different. Consider how much you have for a down payment, what you want your monthly mortgage payment to be, as well as how much you will be paying for home insurance and home maintenance. Use these numbers to help determine your price range for your next home and let your real estate agent know your limits.

When you’re ready to talk to a Realtor about starting your home search, just call Greater Boston Realty at 617-469-4040. We can help you narrow your search and find the perfect Roslindale, West Roxbury, or Jamaica Plain home for you and your loved ones.