With the housing market the best it has been in a decade, now is the time to buy. Whether you are looking to buy your first home, looking for a vacation home, or looking to downsize for retirement, purchasing a home is always an investment for the future. When purchasing a home, it is always important to the major general checks on a home. Does the roof leak? Is the plumbing in good condition? Is the foundation sturdy? All necessary questions to ask, but let’s ask ourselves about the future of our living spaces.
How is the Neighborhood?
This seems like an obvious question to ask, however, it is one that is far too often asked short term. Your neighborhood is your community. Choosing a community that supports your lifestyle makes settling into your new home that much more comforting. A quick internet search of the neighborhood you have your eye on will give you a glimpse of future city plans for the region and any economic trends. Schools, health, and safety of a neighborhood are also at your fingertips. These fast-facts provide information that you can use in your final decision.
Can You See Yourself Living There?
Again, this seems obvious. However, doing walk-throughs of a home, everything tends to look fantastic – especially with staging. When seeing a home of interest in person, close your eyes and imagine your life in each room. Imagine your belongings, your general daily activities being carried out, and any future scenarios. Are you planning on having children, grandchildren, or animals? Picture whether or not that home would be able to support those extra bodies. Will your bed fit nicely in the bedroom and does your personal decorating style go with the architecture of the house? Imagine any future projects you might want to do on the house and double check with the real-estate agent (and any professionals you may wish to hire for estimates on any possible work to be done), if your ideas can be supported.
Don’t Be Fooled by the Price Tag
Asking yourself questions regarding your future in your home will force you to focus on potential future costs. Future costs of a home can easily sneak up on you and getting a great deal on a home in the moment can potentially cost you in the future. Homes that need a lot of work – “fixer-uppers” – can sometimes end up costing you far more than they are really worth, despite that original discount. Looking at the basics, as well as asking yourself what your future needs will be, will help you to better decide if you can take on a home that might need more work. Knowing the neighborhood trends will also help out. Neighborhoods that are up-and-coming will bring in more expensive grocers, gas stations, and the like. Small-seeming, but that can create an impact.
When looking for a home that will suit you and your future needs, looking to a real estate agent can be a big help. They are there to answer your questions and scour for homes that fit your ideals. The team at The Pattisal Group are there to help you find the home of your future. Go get settled!
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