Well as we all know it’s all about compromises. There is no perfect home, especially when you may not agree on what defines a perfect home. So, I will make some recommendations that make sense from a now, and future standpoint. Because down the road your needs will change and you will probably sell the home. Yes, this will more than likely not be your forever-home. First-time buyers typically only live in their first home an average of six years. So, the home you choose today should have some of the desirable traits that will attract future buyers.
The home should meet your financial needs and not exceed them. If the home needs work immediately, make sure you either get a good price, or have enough funds in reserve to fix things. The most important, and most expensive, items to repair/replace are the roof, the heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical, and windows. The home should have a good structure, bones as we call it, or else you could run into even more expensive problems like the foundation, flooring, etc. There are some things that you can probably tackle on your own, but for the big stuff, get a professional. I would rather pay more for a home in great shape than pay less for one that needs a lot of work. Painting, landscaping, stuff like that you can do as fun projects, the items I just mentioned are not fun.
Location. Proximity to work and schools is important. I know jobs and school destinations will change. But, for now, make sure it doesn’t take an hour each way to get to work. Plus, the maintenance, wear & tear, and mileage that will impact your vehicles. Again, from a resale standpoint, most buyers will not want to be isolated from their daily commutes. That home way up in the mountains that is so charming, can get old when you must trek down that mountain every day, every season, to get to work.
Neighborhood. Once you’ve identified a home, drive through that neighborhood. On weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. Is it a quiet neighborhood or chaotic? Check out your potential neighbors. Do they have a lot of activity going on, and you prefer peace and quiet when you’re home? Do they have dogs, which tend to bark, and you are not into that. Yep. You can always change the color you paint your home, but you can’t pick up your home and move it. I’ve sold homes where the number one reason for the clients selling was the neighbors.
Even if it’s just the two of you, three bedrooms is preferable over two bedrooms. The size of your family may change, you may have overnight guests, and if you do resell the home, a three bedroom will have more resale value. Four bedrooms will add to the square footage, increasing the price, or making the bedrooms too small. Go with three bedrooms. And select a home with two bathrooms, for obvious reasons. Beyond that, a two-car garage, larger bedrooms, an open floor plan, an island kitchen, walk-in closets, nice floors, large yard, a basement. All that is desirable, but this is where compromises kick in. And affordability. A lot of these wants will drive the price up, perhaps, beyond your budget. There are wants and needs. I would focus on needs. Wants can change, but needs will probably stick around for you and future owners.
