5 Tips for Getting the Perfect Home

You might have mastered the art of nailing a good deal on a home, but that’s all for naught if you don’t pick a home that matches your personality and needs. Finding the perfect house is like going on a blind date; you have to think about how your date makes you feel, whether they’ll connect with your loved ones, and whether you have a future together. It’s tough to tell upfront if your house meets these criteria, so we’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you end up with a perfect home.

Think of it as a long-term commitment

Your ideal house should be able to serve you for a number of years -- at least five to seven. Living in a house for a long time will help you avoid costs like moving and closing costs that are paid every time you move and buy property. You’ll also save time and energy. Additionally, the real estate market experiences fluctuations and staying in one house helps you weather that storm.

Flexibility

Look out for a house with multipurpose rooms to enjoy maximum value for your money. For instance, you can go with a home with an open-floor-plan-style. Or, you might choose a 3-bedroom house that has the potential to add a home office or a gym room. You want to be able to navigate you home easily and with time also grow with it. Perhaps, consider a house with a backyard and an open kitchen as this adds a lot of value and functionality to the home - especially if you’re looking to have children in the future.

Anticipate the future

You should look for a home that will still be ideal even if your life changes. For instance, will you have the space for a new baby, a long-term guest, or other potential future events? You don’t have to spend more money to get a house with more space for these changes; all you have to do is choose a house that can be upgraded to add extra space. For example, you can turn the basement or the garage into a room for your visiting brother or add on a new room on your lot.

Is the house your type?

Looking for a house is like looking for a partner -- if you get “butterflies in the stomach” every time you walk in, there’s a good chance it’s the one. Consider what day-to-day life will actually feel like in different styles of homes: a single-family home in a gated community will have a far different feel from a downtown condo. Don’t forget about maintenance, either. If you’re already used to doing regular yard maintenance, a big yard may be no problem -- but if you’ve never touched a lawn mower, you may do better to find a nice townhouse.

That being said, before you start looking for the perfect home – lay down some basic requirements and preferences that you have. This will help in the future.

Will I be able to sell?

When you are house-hunting, your first priority should be securing a home that adequately suits your needs. Before you think of it as an investment, the house should first provide an ideal environment for your or your family.

However, keep in mind that although it might be a great place to live right now, you may want to move to a different place in the future. This is why it’s a good idea to buy a house that can be easily resold. Pick a home that’s similar to neighboring houses in terms of price, size, and style. Consider the future of the neighborhood: will it be peaceful in a few years, or will it be surrounded by new commercial or industrial buildings?

You work hard for your money and you shouldn’t feel guilty about demanding for your perfect home. Consider yourself armed with enough information to help you identify a house that has your name written all over it. We wish you all the best.