The image source is Pexels.

House hunting is both an exciting but highly challenging endeavor. The house-hunting process has many characteristics that form the series of considerations that one must consider before landing an adequately suitable home for their family.

First, there are a series of questions that you must consider for every house you visit before drawing a final decision. Second, before booking your appointment with a real estate agent, deliberate on where you want to live and the type of house you most prefer. The answers to these two narrow you down to a specific area and agent to work with. Finally, the agent will present you with multiple home options. Here you graduate a step higher, and your deliberations are whether to live near the shopping center, place of work or near your children’s school. The above is but a drop to the complexity involved in house hunting. Before arriving at a final answer, you must further consider:

House type

Several factors determine the type of house you want to live in. These factors include the size of your family, the privacy needed, the level of income, and your need to cover maintenance and repair costs. From the multiple house options your real estate agent presents, the list will include the following.

  • Single-family family unit

The characteristics of a single-family unit include maximum privacy, more space, higher costs for repairs and maintenance, and higher purchasing cost or rents. A single-family unit is suitable if you have a big family, have a high-income level, and can afford to foot the regular price of maintenance and repairs. You will want to make sure you can also afford a large down payment on the home as well. This will help lower the monthly costs of living in your home. However, it would help if you dug deeper into your pockets to enjoy the high-level security offered.

  • Townhouse

A townhouse, unlike a single-family, is characterized by less privacy, minimized costs and less worry for footing costs for external maintenance and repairs. In addition, townhouses have shared walls, lawns, and other amenities. As a result, the owner or the property management company in charge often foot the costs associated with these amenities. Townhouses are a great option if you are a younger couple or if you are saving up to be able to afford a single family unit someday. 

  • Condominium or apartment

Condominiums and apartments are blocks of house units where most of the amenities are shared. With shared staircases, verandas, swimming pools, sky yard, internet, lawns, car parking lots, etc., it means that you suffer minimal privacy and reduced living space. However, you will foot fewer regular costs of maintenance and repairs and enjoy additional amenities such as the gym, swimming pool, etc. A tip worth if you are interested in a condo is choosing VA approved condos. These can be a great option if you are a veteran and you are looking for an affordable place to live for you and your family.

Affordability

The exciting endeavor of choosing a living space for your family presents a significant initial financial commitment and a series of regular financial obligations. You can ease the financial burden of choosing a house for your family by setting a budget before starting the actual process. When placing the budget, it is essential not to be a fixed figure but rather a range. From the first day, ensure that you stick to your budget. While it is impossible to spend within your budget, ensure that you do not overspend as it stresses you out and adversely interferes with your future financial plans for your house. Ensure that the home you choose fits your finances.

Make sure you don’t pick a type of housing that you and your family will not be able to comfortably afford. It is not worth the stress and anxiety of a house if you are not enjoying it. Remember, just because you are living in not an ideal house, you can always work to get to your dream type of housing in the future. This can be an attainable goal if you work hard, put money away each month, and try to live as frugal as possible. However, this does not mean that you should never eat out or go on vacation. It is important to take the time to enjoy life with your family

Suitability for Your Family Home

The suitability of a house for family occupation encompasses multiple factors that one must consider. You can gauge the suitability of a home for occupation by measuring elements such as security, accessibility, space, and proximity to amenities. In addition, weigh its suitability to your family’s health regarding structural stability, dampness, lighting, heating, insulation, ventilation, and meeting the fitness standard. In terms of suitability, the house gauge all your options on a scale for questions such as:

  • How ample is the space for your entire family’s comfortable occupation and living? The house should be big enough such that your family lives and grows there for an extended period without a fire need for relocation.
  • Is it easy for your friends and family to access your home? Rank all your options on the scale of how far it is from your friends to visit you conveniently.
  • How handy is the house’s location to schools, shops, recreation parks, convenient stores, restaurants, etc.? You must not travel for many kilometers before accessing essential commodities for regular use.

Conclusion for Your Type of Home

In addition to the house-hunting tips mentioned above, ensure you gauge your house option for resale, building style, house condition, etc. Whether you are acquiring a house for the first time or the tenth time, the principals involved are similar. You and your family will be the happiest in a home that is affordable, spacious, has a great location, and has all of the amenities you need. Remember, your housing needs change over time so always be ready to look forward to new housing goals and dreams for your family in the future.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here