When it comes to buying a home, we always think about the big things: sales price, location, mortgage qualification. But it’s often the little things that rise up to make living in that home a great joy or a huge letdown. Here are a few things you want to think about before you start looking for the new perfect home.
The Neighborhood – There are neighbors who bring warm cookies to welcome you to the neighborhood and then there are the Homeowners’ Associations that welcome you with a stern warning to move your storage unit immediately even though it’s only been in your driveway for a few hours and you haven’t even arrived from your cross-country drive. Beyond your initial impression, is living in your neighborhood going to give you the kind of lifestyle you want? In many cases, you won’t know until after you’ve moved in. Spending some time there and getting to know your potential neighbors/asking questions before you purchase may give you the info you need.
Where to put the dog bowl – Does it seem like a frivolous thing to be considering when buying a home? Only until you move in and realize there’s nowhere to put the food and water bowls that won’t end up spilled, kicked over, or constantly in the way. This is only one example. Think about it in terms of a car purchase. You might not notice the number/placement of drink holders in the new car you’re buying, but you’re sure going to notice how lacking they are when you’re driving a carful of people around in the 100-degree summer and there’s nowhere to put your Big Gulps. This is just one example. Is it a deal breaker if your laundry room is downstairs and the bedrooms are upstairs? Probably not, but it does make things more challenging. If you’re trying to decide between a couple of homes, this may be one of the little things that helps you finalize your decision.
Commute time to and from work – Your daily commute is something you’ve probably spent considerable time thinking about, especially if you’re considering moving farther from work. But even if you’re moving equidistance from your existing home, the commute could be very different. And it’s not something you want to discover AFTER you’ve moved. Doing a few test runs before you make an offer can help.
Positioning of the house – Everyone wants a house that’s light and bright, but what you might not want is a sun that sets right in your living room. If you’re in a warm climate, you can plan on being hotter than you’d like to be in that room during the summer and having higher electric bills. Is the sun going to being streaming in right on your T.V. in the middle of your favorite show? A house with 2 bedrooms, living room, sun room, dining room and basement may sound perfect for a new couple, but when a table doesn’t fit in the kitchen or the layout of the living room doesn’t allow for a full sized couch where you can see the T.V. it may not be the perfect home.
When you’re looking for the perfect home there is a lot more to consider than just the big points. Your home is your sanctuary, and you need to consider your daily needs when choosing one. For assistance in looking for the perfect home or more information, call Helen today at 847.967.0022 or email [email protected].