Tip 4: Find the Home that Fits Your Lifestyle
Finding a home that fits your lifestyle can be a big challenge. There are so many options when it comes to choosing, and you probably aren't going to find a home that is 100% perfect, so the best way to narrow down your options is to take a look at your lifestyle and priorities. Chances are there is an option that will work best for you.
The Social Butterfly
A condo can be a great option for anyone who loves to socialize or wants to live right in the heart of the city, close to the action, or within walking distance to work. If you’re new in town, it can be a good way to meet new friends and neighbors. Many large complexes have community features like a pool, gym or clubroom. This will give you the opportunity to meet the people with which you share a building. Remember though, you will be sharing walls, floors and ceilings with many other people. If a little bit of noise will break the deal for you, a high-rise might not be for you.
Gated Communities
Gated communities provide a lot of benefits to the residents that live within them. The number one reason people choose to live in gated communities is likely the security element. They are private and more difficult to access than a standard community. Criminal activity is reduced in gated communities, and solicitors will have a more difficult time bothering residents.
Traffic and speeding cars are also reduced behind the gates, making it quieter and safer for children to play and ride bicycles within these neighborhoods. You likely won’t have the morning commute using your street as a shortcut either!
Another positive aspect of gated communities is a higher standard of home quality, and stricter building codes that promote uniformity in design. That means more sale comparables and better value for all the homeowners within the community. Homeowners in these neighborhoods also generally have a higher pride of ownership, and keep their homes in good condition. Along with that, gated communities create a scarcity effect, with few homes within these neighborhoods typically available for sale at the same time, adding more bite to the value.
There may also be social benefits, such as a community center, pool, park, or events that promote group activities for families to get to know each other.
Wide Open Spaces
If you value privacy and want a lot of space to call your own, buying a home on an acreage may be an option. Keep in mind that with a lot of land comes a lot of responsibility. If family time and outside activities take up a lot of your time, the maintenance of land can consume a weekend. Also remember that if you work in the city, you could be in store for a longer commute, which results in less family time as well.
Somewhere in Between
Maybe you want a place to call your own, but without all the responsibilities of a yard. A great alternative that gives you the best of both worlds is a town home. Townhouses usually consist of several single-family homes grouped together. In many cases, you can rent or own the inside of the home, while a separate organization owns and cares for the exterior of the building and the yard. This allows you the luxury of having a small yard without having to maintain it. Keep in mind that there are usually home ownership association fees that cover the land maintenance.
Buying a home is like finding the right pair of jeans. It's all about what fits. Your home should fit your lifestyle, and like fashion, that changes with time. Choose a Realtor to help you gauge your stage in life, one who knows the questions to ask you, and can pull it all together...so you can find a home that's the perfect fit!
Next...Tip 5: Physical Aspects of Your Home
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