Answering 6 questions will help you narrow down your choices

The old adage in real estate says that location is everything. And while certainly important, this is far from the only thing people looking for a home should think about. Too often, homebuyers forget to consider something very important during their search: the kind of life they live or plan to live. Before you make up your mind on a new home, answer these lifestyle questions:

What size home will you need to live comfortably?

If you have a big family, you’ll, of course, want to make sure your home is big enough for everyone. But, if you don’t have any children yet and they’re part of your future plans, you should think ahead. The same is true if you’ll have frequent guests or perhaps an older family member will eventually live with you. Conversely, retirees may not need something very big so it could make sense to think smaller.

Which floor plan will work best?

How the rooms are situated is another important aspect that shouldn’t be ignored. If you have young children, you’ll probably want all bedrooms closely grouped together. With older kids, however, you may want a little bit of separation so the master bedroom could be on a separate floor. For older folks, single-story living might be ideal. And of course, there’s the open floor plan to think about.

How do you want to use your home?

Aside from sleeping, eating, etc., there are probably other things you’ll want out of your home. For example, if you work remotely, you should look for a home that has a room you can use as an office. Perhaps you want to give the kids their own rec room, so they can have a place to play that’s not the living room. Maybe you want a designated game room or your own movie theater. Another thing to think about is storage. If you have a lot of stuff, it’s probably a good idea to look at homes with attics, basements, and/or garages.

Do you host a lot?

If you’re frequently entertaining friends or family members – or plan to – you will need to make sure your home has enough space. A large living room would be ideal. And if you host dinner parties, big family meals, or holiday get-togethers, you’ll probably want to include a formal dining room on your must-have list.

How important is outdoor living?

While the inside or your home should rightfully get the most focus, there are also some exterior elements to consider. If you love spending time outside, you should search for amenities such as a deck or patio. This could also provide additional space for entertaining. A pool may also be an excellent option. With kids, you might want a big yard they can play in. If you’re a gardener, it’s important there are sunny spots you can utilize.

What about special needs?

Older houses certainly have their charm, but they often have their limitations. For instance, they typically have narrow hallways and doors, and this could cause problems for someone in a wheelchair. A lot of stairs to navigate may also be a hindrance or danger to both older people and young children. It’s important to remember that while some issues can be addressed with a remodel or renovation, not everything can be changed.

While you may be anxious to move, buying a home should never be done hastily. In order to find the perfect home, it’s important to work with a real estate professional who knows exactly what you’re looking for. To get started, contact Dante DiSabato at 239-537-5351 or through this online contact form.