Emotions Aside - Picking the Right Home

When buying a home, it’s common to get caught up in emotions. You may think you’ve found the perfect kitchen, bathroom or yard. Try to keep your emotions in check. Buying a house is a very large purchase and requires objective consideration. The best way to determine if a house could actually be your dream home is to visually apply your daily life to it.

Just Another Day

Picture yourself living in the home on a typical day in your life. Ask the following questions:

Everyday living: Where do you prepare and eat meals? Is there space for everyone to gather together? How about apart? Do you need an area for a hobby or for large holiday gatherings? Where do you pay your bills and file important documents? If you have school-age children, where will they do their homework?

Entertainment: If you entertain, do you typically invite a large group or prefer more intimate gatherings? Where will you set up your television, sound system and computer? Is special wiring required? Do one or more family members take a daily run or use exercise equipment indoors? If so, where would these things take place?

Maintenance: Will anything in the house require additional time or money for maintenance? Can you clean the house on your own or will you need to employ a cleaning service? How much carpet is there to keep clean? What about the heating and/or cooling systems? Will you have to paint the exterior or does it have siding? Is there a pool? Can you maintain the lawn on your own or will you need a lawn service?

Outside: If you like to spend time outdoors, is there space for eating, entertaining or just relaxing? Is there a patio? What is the sun exposure? Are there trees to shade the house in the summer? Are the trees well-maintained to allow light and air to circulate? What will autumn leaf raking entail? How about winter shoveling? How much maintenance is required?

Household Tasks & Local Activities

Once you determine a house is ideal for your family’s way of living, think about the location of the home.

Review the school district where the home is located. Which schools will your children attend and what is the reputation of those schools? Where are the nearest grocery store and related retailers? If your kids play sports, will they be able to continue those activities? What are the demographics of the neighborhood?

Making Your Decision

Create a checklist of what matters most to you and rate each home you’re considering. It’s easier to keep your emotions in check using this type of unbiased tool.

Finally, the object of your desire may look different after you step away from it. Take these tips into consideration and you may want to sleep on it before making a commitment.