Every first-time homebuyer is quickly faced with the same question: to build a budget for a forever home, or shop for a starter home that suits your current needs? A starter home can be an excellent option for a first-time buyer, allowing you to get used to the homeowner's lifestyle, build equity in the home over time, plan for the future, and eventually move on to a forever home. Our real estate agents know exactly what it takes to find the right home for any buyer, and we've put together a guide for what you should look for in a starter home.

• Neighborhood and Location
  The neighborhood that you choose plays an important role in both the price of the property and how much you'll enjoy living there. To start, decide whether you want to live in an urban, suburban, or rural location. Then look at specific neighborhoods to find a spot with the right mix of attractions, services, and commute times for your needs. The most popular neighborhoods tend to be more expensive, but most neighborhoods have affordable starter options if you're willing to search.

• Making the Most of Your Budget
  Finding the best possible starter home begins with planning your budget and prioritizing what you need from home. It also takes compromise. If your first-choice neighborhood is a bit pricey, then you may have to opt for "less home" to make your budget work in the desired location. If you need extra room for a spouse or are planning to grow your family while living in the home, then you may need to sacrifice in other areas to find a home large enough for your needs.

• Understand Your Priorities and Goals
  There are a few things that nearly every shopper will want to look for in a starter home, like a property that was well-maintained by its previous owner. However, finding the right home for you ultimately comes down to your unique priorities. That's why it's so important to create a list of your priorities and goals.Knowing your priorities makes it so much easier to navigate those choices, and find a home you're happy to call your own.

• Is a Fixer-Upper Worth the Effort?
  The short answer is no. While it may look easy on TV, renovating a house is a huge task, with no guarantee of a positive return. Finding a solid home that you can gradually improve over time is a great idea, but a home that needs extensive work right away will usually lead to headaches and a lighter bank account. By finding a quality starter home, you make it more likely that the small improvements you make will increase the home's value.

• Plan Ahead for a Few Years into the Future
  While a starter home may not turn out to be your forever home, you'll likely be living there long enough that it's well worth considering your future needs. Will you be starting a family, switching jobs, or having any other significant life change in the relatively near future? If so, factoring those plans into your priorities is key to finding the right starter home.

Whether you're shopping for a starter home or searching for your own forever home, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Northern New England area.