Editor’s note: Barry Courter has a 26-year-old son who is a college graduate and a 21-year-old daughter who is a college senior. Each week he poses a question he wishes they would ask.
Q: Dad, what should we consider when shopping to buy a house?
A: First, realize that there is no such thing as perfect. Make a list of wants and be ready to accept trade-offs. Second, think long term. Buy bigger than you think might need right now. Think about having kids, the quality of schools in the area, maintenance and resale. Fixer-uppers are fun, but only if you have the time and, if the time comes, you can resell it.