Purchasing a house for the first time can be exciting yet nerve-wrecking. It’s definitely not a let’s-cross-the-bridge-when-we-get-there decision to make. Practically, buying a house needs to be planned carefully up to the nitty-gritty part of it. So, before you finally jump into that thrilling decision of finally owning a house, we have prepared some handy tips for you to consider.
1. LOCATION OF PROSPECTIVE HOUSE
A strategic location is the name of the game. Taking into consideration your workplace and your kid’s school, better find an accessible abode taking away the stress of long travel to and fro which would be a burden on a daily basis. On the other hand, if you prioritize some quiet time away from the chaos of busy city life, it would be wise to choose a place just near the outskirts of the city. This way you’d have some sort of work-life-balance brought about by the serenity offered of not having a home just a stone-throw-away from your workplace.
Accessibility of hospitals, schools, market, amusement parks and the likes is also a thing to note. Might as well find the most strategic location where as they say could make you enjoy the benefits of both worlds.
Whatever decision you come up with, take into consideration the pros and cons before finally jumping into a long-term decision.
2. BUDGET PROPERLY FOR THE HOUSE YOU HOPE TO BUY
Of course, who wouldn’t want an extravagant and lavish home complete with amenities that would make you feel not leaving the house anymore? An impeccably designed house in the perfectly strategized location is like a dream come true, isn’t it? But let us set aside expectations from reality. In the real life scenario it is practical that you buy a house that’s within your means. It is better to dwell in an affordable house than to live luxuriously in a house which would cost you a fortune.
Amongst the many priorities that you need to ponder on, you wouldn’t like your mortgage to haunt you from time and again. Considering your credit score is a must for a budget-wise home. There are available apps online which you could use such as home affordability calculator which would aid you in determining price range of a house within your budget.
3. STYLE OF YOUR PROSPECTIVE HOUSE
There’s a huge difference between style and trend. The former
suits your personal taste while the latter just because the majority choose a particular thing at a certain time. We definitely advise you to discern what your sense of style is. Your home is certainly a representation of who you are, so be sure to take careful steps in choosing your home style.
One of the things to bear in mind that comes with style is your civil status. For newly-weds, it is best to think about having kids in the future and how this chosen style would work for your future family. In case of bachelors and bachelorettes, maybe some space for invited and uninvited guest would be a great idea. For picky ones with specific nitty-gritty wants better have your own personal space to do your thing-a-ma-jig.
Here are some house plans you might want to consider: (1)ranch-style (2)modern architecture and (3) contemporary architecture are just some of the popular ones. If you really can’t decide on your own, architects and designers might just make things easier for you. Their expertise might be a bit pricey but in the end it’ll all be worth it. The combination of your desire for a certain style matched with their cost-effective and personalized designs would turn out to be one of your best decisions ever.
4. SECURITY
“There’s no place like home”, this cliché also meant that your home should be the best place to stay in terms of comfort and safety. Before you get lured with different enticing offers from sales agents– safety comes first. Nothing beats a great night sleep without worrying of a burglar or fire interrupting that much awaited moment.
Good ventilation and lighting are paramount. A well-lit and properly ventilated environment is almost tantamount to a safe surrounding. On top of that is of course the presence of security and maintenance personnel who’d take good care of their duties and responsibilities.
5. PERKS
Renting vs owning a home. Since it is your first time to own a home you either rent a place before or stayed with a relative where your privacy is of course, compromised somehow. Now that you finally are owning one, privacy enters your life. You now have a place to call your own where your own rules reign!
Being a homeowner is usually a good investment; apart from the pride you get out of ownership, you also get the security of a long term equity buildup compared to short-term commitment you get out of renting a house.
Financial responsibility brought about by owning a home is long-term. You should plan ahead and ensure stable means of maintaining your own house. Bear in mind that the value of your house may not increase in the first few years but will eventually be a good one in the long run.
Conclusion
Owning a house will never be easy breezy unless you won a house and lot from one of those games, which of course, would be a one in a million chance. Shifting from renting to owning a house is one of the major adjustments you’ll ever have. Regardless of all the rigmaroles, we still think you deserve a house to call your own. Then you take the first step as you open the door of your dream house, take a deep breath and say, “I’m finally home.”