When you’re looking for a new home, it’s not about having the nicest, biggest, or most expensive house on the block. Well, for some people, it might be, but for most, it’s a lot more complicated than that. You need to think about what you want and need in a home, and every person, couple, or family is completely different. The right home for one buyer might be totally wrong for another, even if their lives look exactly the same as on paper.
Like everything else in life, making the best choice is all about understanding how you want to live your life. What are your habits, how do you envision yourself in the space, and what’s most important to you and your family? Do you want the same things as your kids and your partner, or do you have to accommodate all different desires? Here are some of the things you might want to consider as you look for the new home of your dreams.
1. Shared Spaces and Amenities
Many Americans, especially millennials and younger, feel cut off and isolated by the suburban lifestyle. They long for a sense of community and for more accessible third spaces to casually spend time with others. As a result, many modern housing and apartment complexes are incorporating all kinds of shared resources. They might include communal amenities, like a pool, jacuzzi, firepit, or gym-grade exercise facilities and commercial playground equipment.
As you assess a home, consider your lifestyle and what types of amenities you’ll actually use. That building gym might be fantastic, but you’ll never use it if you’re always going to CrossFit. Similarly, even if you are a pet owner, you might not want a noisy dog run just outside your home office. You might prefer to have peace and quiet at home, and take your furry friend on a long walk to a city park. Think about the way you actually live, not what might be convenient.
2. Location and Neighborhood
Suburbia doesn’t just kill community; it kills the natural human need to exercise and move the body. For some people who prefer to be behind the wheel, that isn’t a big deal at all. For others, however, one of the most important factors in a home is walkability to stores, restaurants, and more. When choosing a home, consider walkability or the length of commute to where you want to be. While you’re at it, also look into the parking situation both at home and downtown.
Other location factors to consider are traffic and noise levels: is your prospective home above a bar or by the side of a highway? Think about how safe it is, and whether you’ll feel comfortable walking or driving home at night. Finally, think long and hard about where you want to live in terms of vibe, climate, and general atmosphere. Some people love sunshine, but others love rainy towns. Some folks are fine with a Middle American vibe; others need artsy and alternative.
3. Size, Layout, and Function
Now that you’ve given some thought to where your new home should be, take a closer look inside. What do you need in a house itself, in order to keep you and your family happy? Do you love cooking, and need a larger kitchen, with a 6-burner stove and one of those kitchen islands? Is it absolutely crucial to have a garden where you can plant and pick all the vegetables you want? Does your partner need a tool shed for their DIY projects or a giant studio for their art?
For some families, the number of bedrooms is important, since everyone needs their own space and privacy. For others, large, shared communal spaces are important for family activities, parties, and movie nights. For larger families, the number of bathrooms can be important, if you don’t want anyone fighting over the toilet or shower. If anyone wants a giant master bath and a clawfoot tub to read their books, they shouldn’t have to compromise on this core need.
4. Light, Air, and Outdoor Space
Some homes might have everything you want and need, but the atmosphere could still be just a little off. For example, if you like a light and breezy space, there will be some homes that just don’t let in enough sun or air. Decide whether there are enough windows, whether the house feels well-ventilated, or whether it feels dark and stuffy. Listen closely to your intuition: sometimes a home just feels wrong, and you’ll never be able to let it go.
If the house is a little too cozy, it might still be worth the trade-off for an especially amazing outdoor space. If you’ve always wanted a huge plot of land to explore or cultivate, you could consider a less-than-ideal house on a great property. Remember, if you plan on being there for a while, it’s often possible to renovate, adding skylights, doors, and windows. However, you usually can’t add acreage, fields, or forests to an urban apartment on a tiny concrete plot.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Deed-Holder
Remember, as mentioned in the beginning of this article, choosing the right home isn’t about some cookie-cutter list. You need to think carefully about what you want and need out of a home and out of your life.
Many people choose a home based on what other people might think, or what they’re “supposed” to want. The surest way to real happiness, however, is to know what makes you happy, and to decide you deserve to pursue it.
