In buying a home, it is best to assess the things that are most important to us. Price is just a part of the total equation of value:

In buying a home, the criteria should be the value and not the price. The important thing here is that one should know what is most valuable to him or her because different people have different needs and priorities.

Quality
As modern marketers would say these days, the customer defines quality. Yes, it is true that whatever quality level the customer wants, should be followed. In homebuilding, a very high quality may come at a very high price. Ask yourself on the quality level that is acceptable to you. For homes, more expensive finishes are commonly associated with high quality. However, this mindset may only be partly true for there are beautiful fixtures and finishes available in the market that do not come with a high price tag.

Quality as defined by people in the manufacturing industry can be the consistent production of certain goods within the acceptable tolerance levels. Quality for a homebuyer may be interpreted in a different way. It can be the construction of a specific design or simply a specific color scheme. It can be a smooth wall in a house. The point is that the homebuyer or the person paying for the property will have to define the quality level. It is best that you assess your real needs.

Functionality
Every house or building layout should be functional to fit the desired use. Again, planning is the key in order to come up with a functional design. Study the layout of your home. Will it serve the needs of your family? If you love to entertain, then the living space should be large enough to accommodate your guests. If you like to work at home, then a space for a study or home office may be required. Remember that the owner and the user will plan the house depending on the required functional spaces.

Service
The service that the provider delivers is also important. If you were to buy a vacant lot, then the service of the broker on the title transfer services becomes important to you. You would want a hassle free documentation and title transfer process. If you were to buy a construction service, you would expect your builder to guide you during the design and construction phases of your home.

Time of Delivery
For some owners, time of delivery may be the most important aspect. For commercial investments, being able to start operations earlier will surely benefit the owner and the added cost for an early completion may be worth it. Some owners even give a bonus for a project that is completed ahead of schedule.

Price
Comparing many builders based on price per square meter may confuse you. It is best that you look at all of the materials that are used in their proposals. Unless the design plans of your house or commercial building are done to the smallest detail, the builder in his or her estimate will have to make certain assumptions. Discuss with the builders the assumptions that they have made in coming up with the price per square meter quotation. Look at the other extras that come with the price quotation. The point here is that a price comparison may be difficult if the builders have different assumptions. The terms of payment are likewise very important.

Image
You may not admit it but image plays an important role in the purchase of your home. Buyers tend to be attracted to neighborhood that they can live comfortably and peacefully. They want to associate with their neighbors and would want a place in which their children can play and have friends. The image of a neighborhood reflects the lifestyle and status of its residents.

Look at the value equation and ask yourself about the things that matter most to you. Buying a home or real estate can be one of the biggest purchases that you would make in your lifetime. Make sure that you know what you want so that you will know what to look for. Again, it is not just price but it is "total value."