A New Home Search

Looking For The Perfect Home? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions To Make Sure You Choose The Right One!

16 March 2017

Elli Jokela

When faced with finding the perfect home for their needs and budget, it can easy for prospective home buyers to feel overwhelmed with all the existing choices on the market. After all, purchasing an existing home is not like buying a specific model of new car or computer, where features can often be customized by the manufacturer depending on what the buyer wants and needs. Instead, each home, even those on the same street or those built by the same builder, are likely to have significant differences that can make the process of choosing the right one even more complicated. There are, however, some specific questions that buyers can ask themselves when looking at properties for sale to help streamline the process and choose the best possible home for their needs. 

Does this type of housing best fit the needs of my household members? 

One of the first questions prospective home buyers must face when beginning to search for a home is the housing type. While detached single family homes continue to be the most common type of home purchased today, a growing number of buyers are finding that condos or town homes can have some advantages. This is especially true for buyers who may lack the time or skills to properly maintain the exterior of a single family home, as well as those who cannot or do not want to be responsible for lawn care and exterior maintenance issues, like roof or siding repair. In addition, single buyers or those that travel frequently may prefer the extra security of living in a condo development that offers gated access and on-site security. 

Will this house fit my households space requirements, both now and in the future? 

Finding a home that feels comfortable both now and in the future requires consideration for expected changes in family size during the period of home ownership. Buyers who expect their households to grow over the years following the purchase will want to consider these needs when choosing the best home to buy. Whether the household growth stems from adding children to a family or making room for an elderly parent or grandparent, a home that is too small for these additions will quickly feel cramped and uncomfortable. Similarly, home buyers who have teenage children or other members who will be leaving the home in the years following the purchase may be more comfortable purchasing a smaller home in preparation for that decrease in family size.

Does this home "work" for the specific needs of my household? 

Another factor that prospective buyers should always consider when purchasing a home is any current or expected needs of the household members. This might include a one-level design and minimal stairs to make aging in place easier or wide doorways and halls to accommodate wheelchair use for a disabled member. In addition to considerations for health or mobility reasons, buyers should also consider factors such as:

• making sure to consider space and utility service requirements for any members who plan to work from home

• making sure that there is room for any specific activities enjoyed by household members, such as gardening, having a pet, or entertaining

• making sure that the home offers conveniences that will make it easier to live in, such as laundry rooms, sufficient storage, or room for guests

When beginning to look at properties for sale, prospective buyers should discuss their current and future housing goals with their real estate professional. The agent can help buyers focus their search on homes that are most likely to fit these needs. This will help shorten and improve the search and greatly increase the likelihood that buyers will end up with a home they are truly happy to live in for years to come. 

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