The Problem with Traditional Property Comparison
You tour 15 properties over 3 weekends. They all blur together. Was the updated kitchen in the Cambridge condo or the Somerville one? Which had the better commute? Did any have parking included?
Relying on memory leads to bad decisions. The house you remember most vividly isn't necessarily the best fit—it's just the most recent or had the most dramatic feature (good or bad).
The Smart Way to Compare Properties
Step 1: Define Your Must-Haves vs Nice-to-Haves
Must-Haves (Deal-Breakers):
- Budget: Can't exceed $X
- Commute: Max 45 minutes
- Bedrooms: Minimum 2
- Schools: If you have/want kids
Nice-to-Haves (Weighted Preferences):
- Updated kitchen (important but not a deal-breaker)
- Yard/outdoor space
- Parking
- Walkability
Step 2: Create a Scoring System
Rate each property on a 1-10 scale for each factor, then multiply by importance weight:
- Critical factors (10x weight): Budget, location, schools
- Important factors (5x weight): Size, condition, commute
- Nice-to-have (1x weight): Finishes, amenities
Step 3: Track Everything
Don't rely on memory. Document:
- Photos (take your own, not listing photos)
- Notes from tour
- Measurements of key rooms
- Pros and cons list
- Your gut feeling (but don't let it override data)
Property Comparison Checklist
Financial Factors
Purchase Price: How does it compare to your budget?
Total Monthly Cost: Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA
Property Taxes: Vary widely by town
HOA/Condo Fees: $0-800/month
Estimated Maintenance: 1-2% of home value/year
Location Factors
Commute Time: Test during rush hour
School Quality: Check ratings even if you don't have kids
Walkability: Can you walk to groceries, restaurants, parks?
Safety: Check crime stats, visit at night
Noise Levels: Busy street? Loud neighbors?
Property Features
Square Footage: Is it accurate? Does it feel spacious?
Layout: Good flow? Wasted space?
Kitchen/Bathrooms: Updated or need renovation?
Storage: Closets, basement, attic, garage
Outdoor Space: Yard, deck, balcony, patio
Condition & Age
Roof Age: Should be replaced every 20-25 years ($10K-20K)
HVAC Age: 15-20 year lifespan ($5K-10K to replace)
Plumbing/Electrical: Up to code? Modernized?
Foundation: Any cracks or water damage?
Windows: Single or double-pane? Drafty?
Future Considerations
Resale Potential: Who would buy this in 5-10 years?
Neighborhood Trajectory: Improving or declining?
Expansion Potential: Can you add onto it?
Flood/Natural Disaster Risk: Check FEMA maps
Common Comparison Mistakes
Mistake #1: Comparing List Prices Instead of True Costs
A $400K house with $800/month property taxes costs way more than a $420K house with $300/month taxes.
Always calculate total monthly payment.
Mistake #2: Overweighting Cosmetic Factors
You love the granite countertops in House A. But House B has a better location, schools, and layout—and updating counters costs $5K-10K.
Prioritize things you can't change: location, layout, lot size.
Mistake #3: Forgetting Lifestyle Fit
House A has an amazing home gym. But you go to the gym 2x/year. House B has a great yard for your dog—which you use daily.
Weight factors based on YOUR actual life, not aspirational life.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Resale Potential
You love the quirky layout with bedrooms on different floors. Future buyers might hate it.
Think like a future seller. Will this be easy or hard to sell?
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