Looking at a large number of homes for sale in Lethbridge can be a confusing and time consuming process.  There are many great homes for sale and many times the features of the homes begin to run together.  Often real estate agents schedule viewing appointments one after another for their clients without consideration for how difficult it is to tell the difference between them. Oftentimes, Realtors will only show their Buyers their own listings, avoiding other homes that might better suit their Buyer's needs!  This series of appointments should be groups of homes that fit the buyer's criteria. Having a good Lethbridge Realtor who has the skills to help you develop a good short list will ensure that your time is well spent and that you're only looking at homes that meet your needs.

Looking at one home after another is an efficient use of time as well as beneficial to the decision making process, so long as they are the RIGHT homes.  It is easier for buyers to compare similar properties to one another when they are viewed on the same day.  However, viewing too many Lethbridge homes on the same day can become a confusing and even overwhelming process.  Century 21 Foothills - Atkinson & Associates suggests creating a list such as the one in the example below to help you keep organized while touring potential homes for sale in the Lethbridge area.  If you bring along a digital camera, take a snapshot of the listing sheet given to you by your real estate agent prior to each home tour.  If your camera has voice recording or video capabilities consider recording a few notes for yourself after each home tour.  This tip will help you remember the differences between each house choice.

Make a Wish List

Make a realistic list of what your ideal Lethbridge homes will look like. Think mainly of features and needs that are realistic and don't get caught up in all the things you'd "like" to have, but know you won't be able to afford.  If a 6000 square foot coulee view home is not within your budget, don't include this on the list.  Here are a couple good examples of a realistic wish list for most homebuyers:

• Attached two car garage
• Three bedrooms above grade
• 2 bathrooms plus an ensuite that has a standup shower AND a tub
• Near shopping
• No hardwood floors
• Fenced yard for dog
• Dishwasher
• Pie shaped lot

Although many items on your list may be fairly easy and/or inexpensive to change (such as wall color or carpeting), if a home already fits your criteria, that is one less item you would need to change.  In the end, if you are torn between two properties, the little details may be what make your decision.  Courtney Atkinson, real estate expert, has seen many home buyers torn between two properties.  The homes for sale in Lethbridge that come closest to the buyer's wish list will be the ones that will eventually form the Buyer's shortlist, one of which that will eventually be called "home".

There is a lot of property for sale in Lethbridge and having a real estate professional on your team can help you to navigate the difficult process of buying or selling a home in Lethbridge. Call me at 403.795.7777 or email me at info@courtneyatkinson.ca to discuss Lethbridge real estate or Lethbridge land for sale and I will be more than happy to answer all your questions. Or, if you would like instant access to information about buying, selling, or building a home in Lethbridge, including Lethbridge real estate values and more, please visit the most complete website dedicated to everything Lethbridge real estate at http://www.courtneyatkinson.ca.