Real estate resolutions for the new year

Already thinking about how you’re going to change your life in 2012? Want to live differently or just live somewhere different? We have four great things you can do to change the way you think about real estate in the new year.

How to get started? Ask yourself the following questions, and pay close attention to the responses. You might be surprised what listening to your inner voice can teach you.

1. Is where I live now the best place for me? One way to assess is to keep track of how you feel about coming home at night each evening. Are you excited to get back to your place or do you find yourself looking for any excuse to stay out doing other things? When you are home, what makes you the happiest about your place? If you can’t name anything, it might be time to think about a move.
2. My life has changed a lot, but my living situation hasn’t. Still chilling in the same apartment that you got after graduating from college? Are you a professional working an 8 to 5 job but your neighbors are all college students who party a lot? Even if you’re still happy where you live, it might be time to find a new place so you can meet new friends and neighbors and grow into a more adult lifestyle.
3. My place needs a makeover. You know the value of updating your own wardrobe and how much more valuable it can make you feel as a human being. So why not do the same with your place? Simple touch-ups like new pillows, bathroom towels and mats, bedding, a new piece of wall art, or a few new pieces of simple furniture can make an old place new again. If it’s really time for a whole new look, throw everything out and start over fresh. You might be surprised where you end up.
4. Buy a house. There are still low financing rates and great real estate deals on the market for qualified buyers. If you’ve been saving your money in the hopes of investing in a new place, 2012 might be your year. If you haven’t started saving but do want to buy someday, this is an equally good time to start. In some cities, purchasing a home can result in a monthly payment that’s same price as many nice rentals.