Searching for a home can be both thrilling and nerve-racking, and the endless possibilities can feel exciting – but will you recognize the perfect home when you see it? Here are a few factors to consider to ensure you find a home that is right for you:
Trust Your Intuition. First impressions are important. Often, we formulate opinions within seconds of walking into a house. Experts say that you should buy a house for the way you are living today – and adapt as you go. Certain things, though, such as if you are planning on starting a family in the next year or two, should be taken into consideration. A bachelor-sized condo just might not cut it for a young family.
Consider How You Live. Will you be out of the house for 80 per cent of the time, or will you be a homebody? If you are buying a home mainly for its beautiful views but will not be home in the daytime to enjoy it, then maybe it is not a feature you should be focusing on. Pay attention to the high-traffic spaces of the home that you will be spending most of your time in. Find a kitchen that meets your needs, and ensure that the bedrooms are adequate. You might fall in love with a beautiful marble kitchen – but if you rarely cook then something smaller and more practical might be better suited.
It Is Not All About Square Footage. One of the first things many people look at in a home is its square footage. Although this is important, it should not be the only determining factor. In some instances a 2,000 sq. ft. home might have more usable space than a 2.700 sq. ft. home, depending on the layout. Walk through the home and decide if it feels spacious to you and think about your own furniture and how it would fit in the space.
Neighbourhoods Matter. The decision is not just about the property, you have to consider the neighbourhood too. The type of neighbourhood you choose will play a role in how happy you are in your home. Think about what kind of lifestyle you want and the types of amenities you need.
How Much Work are You Willing to Put In? Be honest with yourself. A fixer-upper might be tempting, but if you do not have the time or energy to work on your property then it might be more of a headache than anything else. Are you willing to do yard work, or pay someone to do it? Does the idea of a no-hassle condominium sound attractive to you? Think about the amount of time you will be willing to spend on a daily/weekly basis to maintain your home and choose accordingly.
Remember that no home will be absolutely perfect. There will always be something that could either be changed, updated, or that just is not to your taste. It is important to understand that although sacrifices need to be made at times, you should not sacrifice on the fundamentals. Think about what you really want from your new home and ensure that you do not settle until you find it.
I love helping people find their dream homes. Whether you know exactly what you are looking for, or simply have some questions, I would be happy to help you along the way. Just give me a call at 416-960-9995 – and I can get you started.
