Moving into a new home is an exciting process, but it can be a daunting one, as well. There are a lot of factors to consider, not even considering the choice of home itself. In order to avoid it becoming too overwhelming, having a strong idea of how to find the right home can be an important guiding principle. However, if you’re not entirely sure what to look for, where do you start? Here, we’re going to break down how you choose the best next home for you and your family.
Know What You Can Afford
First and foremost, you need to have a good idea of what, exactly, you can afford. Before you get carried away looking at big and beautiful homes, you should put together a budget for the entire process. Otherwise, you can easily buy a home that you might be able to get a mortgage for, but you can’t really afford in the long run. Take the time to assess your current financial situation, as well as how much you can afford to pay right now, as well as month-on-month, taking into account the whole cost of the home, including taxes and insurance, not just the price of the mortgage alone.
Figure Out How Much Space You Need
Space is one of the biggest key determining factors in whether or not a property is right for you. Choose a property that’s too small and you can easily end up outgrowing it, while properties that are too large may require too much maintenance for not enough utility in return. You need to think about your family and plans for the space right now, as well as how things might change in the future. If you have a growing family or plan to start one soon, extra bedrooms and storage may be necessary. If you work from home, a dedicated office space is ideal. Think about your daily routines and how much space will make life more comfortable.
Decide Where You Need To Be
Another crucial factor in choosing a home is the location that you pick. If you’re willing to move across the country, or from the city to the country and vice versa, there’s going to be a much broader range of properties available to you. However, you have to consider factors like your commute to work, access to public transportation, proximity to schools if you have children, and the availability of local amenities such as grocery stores, healthcare, and entertainment. What’s more, the location of a property can play a major role in its long-term value, as well. Choosing areas with good schools, low crime rates, and growing investment in the surrounding infrastructure can see your home becoming a lot more valuable in the future. Even if you don’t intend to sell it any time soon, having that asset at your disposal can put you in a much better position financially.
List Your Needs And Wants
There are plenty of smaller factors that can weigh heavily on whether or not a home is the right fit for you. This can include things like whether it has enough outdoor space, whether it has a sizeable kitchen, enough bathrooms, a finished basement, and much more. Which of these are vital to you and which of them are simply “nice to have” is up to you. However, it is something that you need to determine. Knowing your wants and needs, and being able to prioritise them correctly can help you avoid being suckered into buying a home that ticks many of your boxes, but not all of the most vital ones.
Be Able To Discern Property Condition
There are some issues that can affect homes that are all too easy to see on the surface. However, there are some that might not be immediately visible, but can become a financial nightmare to upkeep when they rear their ugly heads. Being able to accurately assess the condition of a property is vital to making a decision that really meets your needs. Look for signs of structural problems, dampness, plumbing and electrical issues, and roofing conditions beyond the surface level issues. Otherwise, work with a property inspector who will take all the time to identify those problems on your behalf, so you know exactly what you’re getting into when buying a home.
Keep An Eye On The Property Listings
Knowing what you want is step number one. Being able to find it is a whole different kettle of fish, however. If you’re not looking in the right places, then it’s all too easy to look over the properties that might tick all of your boxes. New homes enter the market on a regular basis so take the time to see the latest homes in stock, even when you’re already in the process of viewing some homes. Make good use of the internet, and sign up for alerts where possible, so that you don’t overlook the properties that might prove to be the most promising.
Enlist The Help Of An Estate Agent
Keeping a close eye on the market is going to help you ensure that you don’t miss any promising properties, but it’s a lot easier when you have someone else to do the looking for you, as well. Real estate agents tend to have a much better working knowledge of the housing listings than the average buyer, not to mention an understanding of market trends and negotiating that can help you streamline the whole buying process. Estate agents can also access listings that might not be publicly available yet, giving you a competitive edge. They will guide you through legal paperwork, inspections, and negotiations, ensuring you get the best possible deal. They can be an invaluable ally in the homebuying process.
Get A Feel For The Neighbourhood
You have to always remember, it’s not just the property itself you’re buying, but the neighbourhood and community around it as well. It’s always worth taking a little time to explore the neighbourhood of any property you’re considering buying. In fact, you should take the time to visit it at different times of the day, to see how it is in the morning rush, in the evenings, and on the weekends. You can get an idea of the noise levels, traffic congestion, and other concerns that might make a real impact on whether or not you buy. Do your research on local crime rates as well, and take the time to talk to your potential new neighbours if it presents itself.
Think About Your Future Needs, Too
Buying a house is a long-term investment, so it’s important to think beyond your immediate needs. Consider how your lifestyle might change in the coming years. Will you need extra space for a growing family? Do you plan to work from home permanently? Will accessibility features become necessary as you age? Purchasing a home that can accommodate future changes will save you the hassle and expense of moving again too soon. Looking ahead ensures that your investment remains practical and beneficial for years to come. You don’t want to buy a home now, only to have to end up buying another one in a few short years because you didn’t think far enough ahead.
A good idea of the right home isn’t just whatever excites you. It’s what best fits your needs, and finding that can often require patience, planning, and attention to detail. Hopefully, the tips above have given you an idea of what that might mean for you.