FINDING YOUR FOREVER HOME

House hunting can be tricky at the best of times. There are so many things to consider when looking to buy your ‘forever home’, there will be so many questions in your mind such as “is there enough space for everybody? Can we make it our own? Does it have all the restaurants, bars, amenities and entertainment I might need close by?”.

Choosing your forever home can be overwhelming, but so exciting. To help you on your search, here are our top tips for finding your ideal forever home.

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

When you’re thinking about your forever home it’s a good idea to start with the end in mind. If this really is your forever home, purchase one with a floor plan that allows for growth and flexibility. Think wedding bells, nurseries, home offices, extensions etc.

BUDGET

Having a budget in mind will allow you to search for homes, but depending on what you find, it’s always important to keep money aside for sprucing up the interior and for future extensions. It gives you a good guideline as to what you can realistically afford and what you need to compromise on. Don't stretch so far that it impacts your lifestyle. 

LOCATION

Usually, the first aspect a homebuyer will consider when finding a ‘forever home’ is the location. Make sure the location is ideal for you. Location will impact your day-to-day life. School runs, supermarkets, walks, commutes, employment opportunities etc. Whether the home is within a town near restaurants and shops—or in a quiet village with only a few local shops close by—if you love the location, then this is a huge plus. 

Decide which location features are non-negotiable, such as good accessibility to public transport links.

THE FIXTURES AND FITTINGS ARE UP TO DATE

It can be a challenge to move into a new home that needs repairs. You can expect to put your own stamp on properties cosmetically but if you're not looking to replace a kitchen or a bathroom any time soon then make sure everything is in order in this respect.  

SCOPE FOR EXTENSION

It’s also a good idea to consider if the property has potential to be extended in the future, providing you with further space that will help to raise the value of your home. Increasing the space in your home with an extension can be a great investment for your family.  It is worth looking into the legal jargon to make sure it can be legally extended and dimensions for any potential works before saying yes, so you can have an idea of what you can do with the property in future.

YOU CAN ENVISAGE YOUR FUTURE THERE

When you’re standing in the bedroom, can you see yourself waking up there? Can you imagine yourself coming back there after your honeymoon, preparing your kids for their first day in school? 

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR WANTS & NEEDS

It’s a good idea to make two lists – wants / needs. Your wants should be the things you don’t want to compromise, and the needs should be the things you simply can’t compromise on. Finding a balance between the two lists will eliminate the possibility of buyer’s remorse down the track. Homeowners are constantly changing their homes, so it’s unrealistic to think you’re going to find something perfect right away.

FEELING AT HOME

Your gut feeling is always there isn't it. You will know if a property feels right or not or if you're unsure. If you're unsure, go back to your future goals and what your needs are in a home.  

CONTACT US

Get in touch today to help find your forever home with us. We are here to help guide you all along the way to ensure you find your ideal forever home. If you've been considering making a move, now might be a good time. Just get in touch and we will be here to help. SImply email katie@sawdyeandharris.co.uk or give us a call on 01364 652652.