Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
If you’ve ever watched TV programmes where experts help buyers to find their dream home, you’ll be familiar with the word, ‘compromise.’ The perfect home might not exist or it may not be affordable, but there are ways to maximise your chances of finding a house that you love. In this guide, we’ll offer some practical tips to help you find a family home that ticks all the boxes.
Consider who is going to live at the property
One of the first things to think about when starting any search for a new home is who is going to be living at the property. Are you looking for a home that is suitable for young children? Do you work from home? Do you need space for teenagers to be able to work? Are you buying a house that your parents might live in one day? Do you have visitors to stay regularly? Your requirements will dictate what kind of house is suitable for you. If you’re switching to multigenerational living, you may want to think about a house with outbuildings to convert or an annexe, or you might be thinking about exploring granny flats. If you have small children, open-plan living may appeal to you. If you work from home, a house that has space for an office, an attic to convert or a garden room may be an excellent option.
Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-unpacking-after-moving-4569340/
Set a budget
The next step is to set a budget. Figure out how much you could afford to borrow, how much you have to put down as a deposit and how much you want to spend per month on your mortgage. It’s wise to avoid stretching yourself too far. You don’t want to be fretting about covering your mortgage and bills every month. Once you have a budget, you can filter results and contact agents and ask them to help you find properties within your price range.
Outline priorities and non-negotiables
Many of us could write a huge list of things we’d love in our dream home, but it’s not usually possible to find a house that has everything. Outline your priorities and determine what is essential and what you could live without.
Think about your lifestyle
Finding the perfect home isn’t just about falling head over heels for aesthetics or getting that warm and fuzzy feeling when you walk through the door. These are important considerations, but it’s crucial to make sure that your home works for you on a practical level too. Think about your lifestyle, the kind of life you want to lead in your new home and your requirements in terms of getting to work or school. If you dream of looking out over open fields or you’re huge fans of outdoor pursuits, for example, a house in the centre of town isn’t going to tick the boxes even if the decor is stunning.
Picture from https://pixabay.com/photos/casting-horn-farm-house-cottage-2368494/
Searching for a new home is one of the most exciting tasks to undertake, but it can also be stressful. It’s not always easy to find a property that is perfect for your family. If you’re hoping to move, take these tips on board to increase your chances of finding a home you love.
