Finding the right home for you
If you asked a random individual on the street to list their long term goals, you would find that, nine times out of ten, they will place owning a home on that list.
Everybody wants to own a home, but the reality is that we don’t want to own just any home, rather, we want to own the home that’s just right for our needs and our lifestyle.
But, what, exactly, does that mean? The truth is that the definition of the perfect home is different for every individual. It has to do with your lifestyle, your short term and long term goals, your budget, your career, and, yes, your personal preferences.
Before setting out to find your perfect home, your first priority should be to determine what you’re looking for in the first place, so that you will know it when you see it. In other words, don’t start house-shopping until you have a plan of action and know that you can reasonably cover the payments on a mortgage for that ideal home.
Here are some basic questions to ask yourself before making this decision:
1. How long will I live in this home?
Are you planning on spending the rest of your life in this home, or only a few years? Do you have any major plans to move elsewhere soon, or even potential plans to move, as in are you expecting a possible promotion or transfer at work that would involve moving? Even if your plans might involve a move some years down the line, it’s still worth considering.
2. How much time will I spend here?
For example, if you do a lot of travelling, then you may be looking for something more modest for now. Just a comfortable place to come home to will be a more sensible decision than, say, a two story condo in the suburbs where you will only spend a couple months in a year.
3. Where do I want to live?
This is where personal preference comes into play, of course. If you’re not happy with the home on a personal level, then there’s no reason to bother living there. Simply put, look for a home that seems inviting and that is located in an area you can enjoy living in.
4. What can I afford?
The reason this question is not a little higher up on the list is that, no matter the cost of a home, it’s not a good deal unless it’s a home you want to own. Look to buy a home within your price range, and if there are none that you want to buy within that range, then simply wait until they are in your price range. No matter what your budget, you’re not going to be happy with the purchase unless you actually like the home you’ve bought.
Beyond that, you simply need to consider all of your options; your desires, your means, your budget, your needs, and then contact a reputable real estate broker.
Finding the home you’re after, with the help of a skilful broker, is actually not that difficult. There are thousands of properties on the market. Choosing the one that’s right for you, however, will take a little planning and forethought on your part.
