No two people are the same because they each have their own identities. There might be a few similarities here and there between people, but remember that even identical twins who share the same DNA are different because they have their own preferences.
This is a contributed post and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
Despite this fact, many people share one overarching commonality that is hard to ignore: they want to become homeowners. While this may often stem from the desire to achieve the American dream, homeownership can also be a solution that people lean on to have some semblance of stability in their lives.
This can mean that even when everything is going wrong, there’s one thing that’s going right. In this case, their future home can serve as their anchor to reality. That’s why it’s important to make the right decision, especially since buying a house comes with financial and other responsibilities.
Deciding what kind of house you’ll have in the future shouldn’t only be dictated by your target price range because there are plenty of reasonably priced houses and lots no matter where you go. You must take your other life goals into account because only then will you be able to make your decision.
You might think that answering these questions won’t lead you to a definite answer about what your dream house should be, but trust in the process. It’s vital to get your goals in order before you decide on your future home because this is a big financial decision that you will have to pay for the next three decades of your life.
1. Are you planning to switch jobs any time soon?
Job security is something that many professionals aspire to have because it means that they will have a steady stream of income. If you have job security, it can mean that you won’t be forced to relocate to another city to find work.
So if you answered yes, then it might be better for you to rent than to buy a house. Spending money on a house will mean that you’ll be tied to it momentarily, which can hinder you from relocating. But if you answered no, then, by all means, start looking for a home.
2. Do you plan to start a family in the future?
It can be difficult for a family of three and more to fit into a small apartment because every member of the household should have their own space to grow. That’s why it’s important to take this into account before you decide on your house because space will matter.
If you plan to start a family, then you will need a house that is big enough for your children to grow in their own spaces. But if you answered no, you will only need a house spacious enough for yourself or you and your partner. It can even be in an apartment or condominium building.
3. Do you like cooking for yourself?
Some people say that the home’s heart is the kitchen because that’s where delicious food is created. Having a good and spacious kitchen is vital to self-proclaimed chefs, bakers, or even food enthusiasts because they will need room to thrive. That can mean having a house with a big kitchen.
However, if you don’t plan to cook for yourself all the time, then the size of the kitchen won’t matter as long as you have one. The more pressing situation here will be if your house is in proximity to food establishments or take-out hubs so that you can easily have access to food when you need it.
4. Do you do your own laundry?
Laundering is a basic life skill that everyone needs to learn. It can be doneby having your own washing machine at home, going to Laundromats, or bringing your dirty clothes over to professionals. If you don’t wash your own laundry, then all you need to have is access to launderers or Laundromats.
But if you prefer washing your own clothes, then your house should have a dedicated laundry area. This can include your washing machine and dryer, as well as your suds, fabric conditioners, or other laundry solutions that you swear by. Your laundry area can be a separate room in your house or situated in the basement.
5. Is having a yard important to you?
Many people dream of having their own yard because of the limitless possibilities that they can do to it. A yard can be the perfect place for a swimming pool, deck, gazebo, or patio. It can also be a great place to hold parties, barbecues, or other celebrations with your friends and family.
But that would mean that your house should be located in the suburban or rural areas because those are the only places spacious enough to have yards. However, if having a yard isn’t that important to you, then you can live in the city or around the urban area of your choosing.
Deciding where to live is not simple; that’s why you can’t rush it. Of course, these questions aren’t the only factors that you have to consider while making your decision, but they can be enough to guide you toward the right path. After you answer these questions, you will be one step closer to achieving your dream of becoming a homeowner.
