If you’re looking around for a new house, there’s no doubt you’ve already come across more than a few considerable options. This is a major life decision, and so you need to approach it with this importance in mind. To make this process easier and more efficient for you, use the five tips outlined below to make your decision.
Size & Space
Think about your family and your needs. Note that a queen-sized mattress measures 60″ in width and 80″ in length to know what is the best size for the bedrooms in the house you want to live in. How many bedrooms and bathrooms will enable you to live comfortably? Do you intend to create space for a home office or crafts room? Are you going to have more children in the future? Answer all of these questions to ensure you settle for a good final selection that suits you and your family’s needs. This way, everyone will be excited when it’s time to move.
The Community
You will end up being a part of the community of the place where you buy your house, so think about the qualities you would like in a community. If you value privacy in your life more, you should look at houses that are in locations a bit out of the way. Take the time when you can to walk around or drive in the area before settling on a house located there. Make observations at different times of the day, as this will make it easier for you to decide if you want to move your family there.
Do You Want to Be Part of an HOA?
A Homeowner’s Association (HOA) is the best thing for some people, but not for others. If you want to be part of one, find out from a realtor who knows the place if they have a homeowner’s association or not. A homeowner’s association has some benefits and it helps strengthen the community’s bond. It also makes it easier to get issues affecting the neighborhood addressed by the relevant authorities. In 2016, homeowners in the U.S. paid about $88 billion in assessments toward community associations. Being part of an HOA may make it easier to do things like this as well, so think about whether you want to be part of one as you hunt for the perfect house.
Condition of the House
It only makes sense to buy a house that’s in good enough condition for you, unless you don’t mind spending extra time and money fixing it up before you move your family there. Minor things like the paint and some finishes, however, should not keep you from getting a house that meets all your other needs. Major things include the state of the plumbing, the condition of the roof and driveway, and the overall structure of the home. Don’t make the mistake of moving in before makes fixes because it will be harder to do with people in the house.
Proximity to Work
Finally, give thought to your daily commute to work as well as your partner’s. Also, consider how long of a ride to school your children will have each morning. Don’t move to a house that unnecessarily lengthens the time you spend getting to and from work unless you have a good reason to do so. Make the decision with your family to avoid one person being left at a disadvantage.
You may want to live close to your office, as communication patterns for team members are improved by socializing among themselves by over 50%. When you live close, attending social activities with your colleagues will be easier and allow you to enjoy your job more.
Before making your final decision, think about the things that matter most to you, using this list as a guide. Make sure that the place you finally settle on improves you and your family’s life!
