When it’s time to move, we often start the process by thinking about how much we can afford and how many bedrooms and bathrooms make sense for our own families. But, there are many other considerations that you have to take into account if you want your future house to be your forever home.
Today, TheOnlineReview shares a bit of insight that can help you choose the perfect home.
Location, Location, Location
Virtually all realtors will tell you that location is key, especially when it comes to figuring out how much you can afford. If you’re looking in Austin, for example, you can expect prices to be lower in the suburbs than in the downtown area. The same applies if you’re renting instead of buying, as one-bedroom apartments in the suburbs average $600 as opposed to $1,500 downtown. Another great benefit to living on the outskirts is that you’ll have access to recreational opportunities throughout the year.
Commute Time
Many of us choose to move for a job. If this is the case in your situation, you also want to take a look at commute times. In California, the average is just under half an hour, according to Reader’s Digest. This is comparable to Illinois and Massachusetts, but much longer than in places like Nebraska and Wyoming. When you are not used to being in the car for an hour each day, you want to look at a home that’s closer to your office.
Remote Work Ease
Even if you don’t have a commute, you’ll need to talk to your realtor about other factors that might make your new house more difficult to settle into. Access to high-speed internet, proximity to the nearest office supplies store, and even your children’s school hours can all significantly affect your ability to work from home without interruptions.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle involves much more than the things you do at home. When you’re moving, look for a location that makes it easy to participate in events and activities that are important to you and your family. Do you spend more time outdoors than in? You may not want to be more than an hour away from mountain biking, hiking, or climbing. Enjoy dancing? You should know that not all towns have an active nightlife.
Space
Obviously, you have to have somewhere for your entire family to sleep, eat, and unwind. But, don’t overlook making sure that your new home has room for your hobbies, freelance endeavors, or, if you have children, a place to do homework. American Classic Homes asserts that your home should also have functional spaces, such as a mudroom and storage, and a layout that fits your family’s habits. For example, if you and your spouse tend to stay up late watching television, look for a home with the kids’ bedrooms away from the main living area.
Make the Move
When you’ve found the perfect home, you’ll need to start planning your move. You should start planning well ahead of time, including researching dependable Angi moving companies. Look over reviews and ratings for moving companies in your area, and don’t work with movers who insist on over-the-phone estimates.
Moving is a highly personalized process, and your decision should be based on what you and your family need, not just price or design. Before you ever even think about relocating, take the time to write down what you want in your next home. This will make it easier to pick the perfect place and avoid a mistake that may cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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