Diantha Shaffer

With all the choices in today's market, how do you go about finding the right home? It seems the more re- search you do, the more al- ternatives you discover. It's important to visualize your needs and plan ahead. "Know what you want in a home, what's important to you, and what you can live without," Diantha Shaffer, REALTOR and Accred- ited Buyer Representative with Dilbeck GMAC Real- tors says. "Many of us start out with a champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, so it's important to be realis- tic," she adds.

Where and what you buy will affect you for as long as you live in the house. "Get your priorities in order before you start looking or even talk to a real estate broker or sales associate," Shaffer says.

First, decide where you want to live. A big part of the answer hinges on where and how you earn a living. If your job requires a lot of reading or is quite stressful, public transportation may offer valuable time to sit quietly. "Regardless, you should practice the com- mute in rush hour before you make a commitment. A seemingly quiet road can transform into gridlock dur- ing peak hours," Shaffer cautions.

People with children have other major considerations: school and safety. If you plan to send your children to pri- vate schools, you can live where you want assuming you can easily arrange trans- portation. On the other hand, high achieving public school districts may offer a competi- tive alternative. Check them out.

Obviously, lifestyle is an important consideration. People who frequently dine out, go dancing and attend the theater probably belong in the city or a close-in sub- urb. "In other words, make sure you're in close prox- imity to the things that mat- ter most," Shaffer says.

It used to be that homes came in a limited variety, but today, you have many choices. In addition to the traditional single-family home, you can buy a townhouse, condominium or apartment condominium or co-op.

In planned unit develop- ments (PUDs), you can find almost any combination. In condos and other such com- munities, make sure the rules and regulations, as well as the by-laws, match your lifestyle. This type of hous- ing is great for people who want to own their own space without being respon- sible for mowing the lawn or repairing the roof; a man- agement company handles that. . Affordability can be a factor not only in the type of housing, but whether it's new or an existing home. While newer homes may feature all the bells and whistles for a higher price, older homes often have larger lots with mature trees and landscaping.

New homes may cost more, but you can make many more decisions on amenities, colors, carpeting and fixtures. "Make sure you're dealing with a repu- table builder, and if you do not have a Realtor repre- senting you, consider hav- ing an attorney review all documents," Shaffer says. Most builders will cover a fee for the buyers' agent, but only if the agent accom- panies the buyers on their first visit to the property and registers them, so be sure you let your Realtor know you are interested in seeing new home developments and arrange to go together.

Selecting a real estate professional is an important first step in beginning your search. "Ask for personal recommendations to find an individual who is knowl-

edgeable about the neigh- borhood and has access to the local Multiple Listing Service," Shaffer says..

If you already own a home and are ready to move- up, not having a plan can cost you tens of thousands of dol- lars and maybe even result in having to move twice. Most buyers start off driving through neighborhoods and visiting open houses and of- ten end up meeting a Realtor who may have no prior

knowledge or experience selling homes in their current neighborhood or community. While any licensed agent can list your home for sale, you will benefit most by consult- ing with a professional Re- altor who specializes in your neighborhood or community and can help you set a plan of action that will save you time and money.

Shaffer is a local Real- tor with Dilbeck GMAC Realtors and has a back-

ground rich in contract ne- gotiation, marketing and community service. She lives in Oak Park with her two sons (Scott 20 years and Cody 16 years). Shaffer's clients compli- ment her innovative mar- keting and strong work ethic. She proudly serves the Oak Park community and surrounding Conejo Valley area and may be reached at 818-292-2002 or at www.Dreams2Life.biz.