A house isn’t just a place where you can walk around in your undies or for eating ice cream right out of the tub. A home aligns with your personality and your preferences. Every corner, crevice, and arrangement of rooms and beams all embody the homeowner and define how he/she lives. Finding the right property that offers adequate space and comfort, a good price point, and real value can be tricky, however, thanks to the dozens of property listings you’ll find in the market. Here are five tricks to knowing when you’ve found the perfect abode.
Define Who You Are
This doesn’t mean you should go on a self-discovery phase before finding a house. On a profound level, determine who you are as a person and as a professional. What career changes do you expect to encounter in a 5- or 10-year period? Are you planning to have children or pets in the house? Are you a gardener or a woodworker? Do you like throwing parties for friends and family or just enjoying weekends in peace and quiet? Knowing the answers to these questions will put you at a much better position to find a home that supports your lifestyle choices.
Know What Types of Housing Exist
Luckily, there are fewer housing types than there are personalities. Still, it makes sense to understand and embrace the different types of housing accessible today. Single-family homes, townhouses, and condominium units are three of the most popular types of housing. Townhouses are basically a hybrid between the more expensive single-family house and the least-spacious condominium unit. While condos are definitely a good investment, especially if you buy around business centers and well-developed locations, the idea of having neighbors around you doesn’t really appeal to some aspiring homeowners.
Consider Buying an Existing Home
Buying an existing house instead of having one built from the ground up is usually the more affordable and faster option on the table. Although it may not precisely match what house you envision for you and your family, being able to pick from a wide selection of houses that’s ready for you to move into is a decent trade-off. You can choose houses based on the included amenities, such as a garden, patio, or swimming pool, or even based on style. Some fleece covered furniture, for instance, might be preferred by buyers over wool or other materials.
Filter Choices Based on Pricing
Houses that align with your personality but cost too much are never a smart investment. Buy or finance housing that you are comfortable paying for over a stretched period of time. Narrow down your choices based on houses that meet your budget. Establish a ceiling and floor price range. When negotiating with sellers, try to keep the numbers from crossing the established ceiling and floor prices. If they cannot meet you halfway, then walk away. There’s always somebody else somewhere that could meet your budget requirements.
Ask Trusted Family or Friends to Help You
Who else to advise you on what would be the right home for you than trusted family members and close friends? These people have spent a considerable amount of time with you so they have a good idea of who you are and what you really want. In some cases, their suggestions might make even better sense since they’re able to make objective decisions. You, on the other hand, might be stepping too close to the project that you overlook some important details or refuse to consider some mitigating factors out of bias.
Finding the perfect home that matches your personality will take some degree of effort that few aspiring homeowners are genuinely willing to take. With the five simple tips above, you’ll be able to find a suitable home for you and your family without breaking the bank or compromising design and comfort.
David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.
