At different points in our lives, we’ll often find that we have different needs. And that’s incredibly normal. Because, although you’re the same person, 21-year-old you won’t want the same things as 45-year-old you or 80-year-old you. And that’s okay. We all change and evolve. Our preferences vary, and the support we need changes. While you can often see this in things like your appearance or your style, you can often see it in other areas too. One of which is your home. Over the years, you’ll have different requirements from the properties that you live. At first, you may just want somewhere cheap to sleep and change in, then you’ll want your first home with your husband, and then you want a family home before moving on to somewhere for retirement. So it’s safe to say that what you want from each place will be different.
Right now, let’s say you’re in the family stage of your life and whether you need more space or you’re looking for your ‘forever home. You need to make sure that you have a list of requirements in mind. Looking for property and finding the perfect place to live can be hard. So you have to make sure that you know what you’re looking for. Whether you have a certain taste when it comes to the design, or you’re looking for a specific size of the house, you’ll need to have all of this in mind. And it can be overwhelming. So let’s consider a detailed list for you to check in.
What’s Available
One of the worst things you can do when it comes to wanting a new home is to get in your mind what you want. Now, it’s okay to think about the requirements you have, as we’re about to explore. But you don’t want to have ‘the perfect’ property too much in your mind. Because it may not exist! Then you could always turn down places because you’re looking for a property that you have pretty much made up. So first of all, you’re going to want to research online to see what’s available in the area and what the costs are.
Your Budget
Next, you’re going to want to think about the budget you have. Again, this is an excellent way to make sure that you don’t get your hopes up. If you find that you fall in love with property out of the budget, it’s going to be tough. So before you start an official search, work out realistically the kind of budget that you’re looking.
The Location
From here, you can then start to get a little more specific about the search. One of the most significant considerations is the location. Now, this may not be important to everyone, but you do have to realize that you have to look in set areas. So make sure you work out where you’d ideally like to be and be flexible if you can as this will help to ensure you find somewhere.
The Size
At the same time, you need to be realistic about the size too. If you’re moving because you’ve run out of space, then you need to figure out how much house you need before you start looking. Maybe you want somewhere detached? Or perhaps you want somewhere with no neighbors at all? Just keep a rough idea in mind here.
How Many Beds
You’ll also want to make sure that you know how many bedrooms you need – and will need for the future and is usually the one thing that you cannot compromise. You will want to be sure that you’re able to find a property that meets your requirements here. So keep in mind the minimum number of beds you need.
The Living Space
It’s often worth thinking about the living area too. You’ll want to make sure that you’re able to be as comfortable as possible. If you do homeschooling and need room for that, keep that in mind too. Just ensure that you know what kind of space and functionalities you need from the new house.
Storage
Storage is another significant consideration to have in mind. A property might be perfect and have the right amount of bedrooms, but what about room for everything else? While you can work with smart storage solutions, if you know that you need a lot of space, it’s often more useful to think about the extra space you need to live as comfortable as possible – if you can.
Potential
This one isn’t going to be relevant to everybody, but it is also a good idea to see if the property has potential. If you like the idea of increasing the resale value, then you will want to find a place that you can grow, that you can decorate, or that’s in an area that is likely to become more valuable in the coming years. If you know that you will likely sell this place before moving into you’re ‘forever home,’ or you would like it to be worth more in years and years to come, this should be a focus for you.
The Outside Space
And then there’s always the outside space to be thinking about too. If you know that you want to enjoy a great life outdoors and you want room for the children to play, then you have to be sure that you’ve got the space to do it. You may even want to consider room for a garage or extending the driveway area.
The Local Area
Finally, you may also want to think about what the local area like. This is something that we often forget about in our minds. We tend to focus on the home itself and what it looks like. But the neighborhood matters too. If you want to be somewhere with a great community spirit, then you should take a look around at some potential blocks first. Then, you can consider homes that are in the right area, and that will be the perfect fit for you all round.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie, and David Cates
So many people want to big of a home. We built a new home 18 years ago. Everyone said it was too small. The kids are grown and gone. Still the perfect home. Your suggestion are perfect
Building a home would be so much fun as you get what you want in the home. I am sure it isn’t too small if its what you chose. Thank you I am glad the suggestions was perfect as I struggled and Prayed I didn’t miss something.
I really enjoyed reading this post. These are really all helpful tips when purchasing a home.
Thank you, Tasheeena, Have a nice day.
The location and the budget was our two biggest things when we were looking for a new house. This is a great post to show those that are looking for a house everything they need to consider.
Thank you, Jeanette I hope the list can help others out.
You have pointed out all the key elements to keep in mind whilst searching for anew home. I so want to move and downsize. We bought a big house and it is just too much upkeep! I’m so over cleaning ALL THE TIME
Teresa, I hate cleaning all the time too although it seems like its all I ever do. Although a smaller home wouldn’t work for my family so I just have to keep cleaning.
These are all great tips and important things to consider when buying which is a very emotional time. Knowing what the upkeep is also a big concern, painting and the roof are so important.
Yes, they are Melissa as well as the taxes on the home which people don’t think about.
The home we once loved is one we are quickly outgrowing. I wish I had considered a space that would grow as our family grew when we purchased our home. It’s a tight fit.
Tomi, I understand that for others they would think our trailer is too big for us as there is only three of us and it’s three bedrooms. Although I would like to have 4 or 5 bedrooms or a home with a Den and separate office/ Exercise room. Although I know I couldn’t afford all that and I should be grateful for what I have which I am and we make due with our home.
Yes, so true! We kept a lot of these in mind when we bought a house. We wanted to be sure we could afford it and we didn’t need much space.
Thank you Amber I am glad I shared tips others had used in the past as it tells me I am on the right path.
We have been talking about this a lot lately. Bedrooms & Baths plus kitchen and workspace are key for us.
Ashley, you are a woman after my own heat I would like a big bathroom and a huge kitchen with an Island. As well as a Window Seat in the Master Bedroom as I like to read and look outside as I do.
I think the surrounding area is a huge consideration as is the size of the yard. We are looking to downsize soon.
A yard is something I will definitely need as my son loves playing outside and one day I would like to get a pool for us.
Oh I’m so glad I clicked on to this blog post. We are just now starting to talk about looking for a new home. We have been in ours for almost 20 years, but are now thinking we would like to change before we get older.
Thank you, Jenn and good luck with the House Hunting.
This is such great info. We are hoping to be able to buy a home in the next couple of years.
Thank you, Heather I wish you the best when you begin your House Hunting Journey.
Definitely things to keep in mind! We’re going through a bit of a life transition right now and are hoping to move to a different city within the next year- but if all goes as planned, we won’t even know what city until 10 days before we move! These tips really help me know what to look for since I won’t have much time to decide!
Shell, that is exciting but also scary. I wish you the best when the time comes and I know you will love your new City.
Good pointers especially for people who are buying a home for the first time! There’s really plenty of factors to consider and it’s going to feel amazing once you find the perfect home for you and your family!
Yes, it will be amazing and I hope to feel that way one day as I am so tired of renting.
Being in the market for a new home can be so exciting. There are definitely things to look out for and this is a great list!
Thank you, Janet C I hope the list will help homeowners out.
We found that it is impossible to find a place with everything you want but coming close is good too.
Gisele, you are right and you have to find the one that has most of the items your looking for as nothing is perfect.
Such a great compilation on what to consider on buying a new home. For me, location, budget and environment are my top three important things to consider.
I agree with you for me I would also add Schools because after the experiences we had with the one close to using they terrify me and if I had to return Charlie to public school I want to talk to others who have students in the new school because Bullying can and does happen everywhere.
This is great! My friend and I were looking at houses as her family is looking to move and she was so overwhelmed. This is wonderful to have on hand!
Thank you and I wish your friend the best of luck as she begins her house hunting journey.
This is a great post for someone thinking about buying a home! I just sold my first home and am so excited about it! LOL!
Congrats! Selling your first home but be exciting. I would like to purchase our first home although I don’t see that happening.