Model homes are planned to make you fall in love as soon as you walk in… so are properly staged previously owed homes. But pause before signing a purchase agreement… does it not only look good, but also work for how you live?
When searching for a home it is easy to be WOWed by a new kitchen with granite countertops or get caught up in thinking about how you can fix up a home in need of updates. But don’t get so caught up in the ‘coolness’ factors that you lose sight of how you will actually live in the space and community.
People rarely find the ‘perfect’ home… it is usually a balancing act. Before you make the leap just because you found a really cool house, here are some questions to ask yourself…
- Does the home meet your non-negotiable top priorities for why you are buying in the first place?
- If you have the resources to renovate the property, will you like living there after renovations are completed?
- If you or someone who will be living with you or visiting regularly has special needs, is the home adaptable for those needs?
- Where will you hang out, entertain, relax… especially if more than one person will be living there, is there sanctuary/get-away space?
- Where will you put your ‘stuff’ when you come home… in winter, after working out, after shopping, after work, etc
- How does traffic flow in the house? Good layout is less about square footage and more about flow.
- What about the space and location around your place? Does it make sense for getting to work, school, recreation, whatever you do on a regular basis? Is it the place where you want to live and spend your life?
- How long do you plan to live there? Will it fit your needs for life changes during that time?
When searching for a new home, don’t lose sight of why you are moving and what is most important to you… and choose a Realtor who has the patience and insight to help you keep that focus.
When renovating a home, choose a contractor/designer/architect who can help you create space that not only looks good… but creates sanctuary where you love to live.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
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