Owning a house is one of the main goals in life for everybody. That is why when we are looking for our first home, things get complicated, we are under stress and it can be a very confusing experience. Do not panic! Even though it is a major decision, there is a way to succeed without risking your sanity: just keep your priorities in mind and go little by little towards the objective.

LOCATION; LOCATION; LOCATION

If there is one fundamental thing that cannot be changed in real estate, that is the location. A house is immovable object by nature, so wherever you will be settling will certainly be permanent. When choosing a new home, pay attention to the neighborhood and its characteristics: Does the position suit you? What about the services around the lot? Is it the place where you see yourself in 10 years?

Furthermore, this particular factor counts for a big part of the value of the house and tends to vary according to the city’s planning, which is usually available for consultation years in advance. As a consequence, checking the urbanism and infrastructure programming in order to have an insight on the way the city is going to change in the future is an advisable task.

THINK ABOUT TODAY AND THINK ABOUT TOMORROW

Each home is different from the others. What you are looking for is adjusted to your particular personality and lifestyle, so it is wise to make a list of those things you cannot simply live without. Those features are going to help you focus and establish grounds from which you can start your research.

However, do not consider only the present but project to the future: a home is supposed to last a lifetime and your requirements today are going to shift in time. As a result, you will have to plan ahead and take into account the next 5 years of your life. A simple way is to start by thinking of the reasons that drive you to purchase a home: Are you moving in together with your significant other? Is having a family a project? Are you working from home and in need of extra space? Would you like to own a pet? From there on, you are able to perceive a foreseeable future.

THE REAL VALUE LIES IN THE POTENTIAL

As it is, a tailor-made house is probably not going to be easily found and that is why it is of utmost importance that you are able to see past the old wallpaper and the dirty basement into the potential of the house you will be purchasing.

Consequently, a renovation should always be accepted as a viable choice. Through this kind of option, it is possible to hunt for buildings with a reduced cost and use the difference to turn them into your dream house, filled with personalized details and matching exactly what you are looking for.

There are certain aspects, such as internal walls or surfaces, that have great flexibility and an ever greater impact in the appearance of the house. With the proper assistance from a professional, a building can shift completely from a worn-out dwelling to a true architectural development: customized, in style and brand new.

But it is also possible to do it yourself! If you consider that most changes are only linked to esthetics, you could put your own hands at work and make a day of it.

RESPECT YOUR BUDGET

Finally, the budget is an aspect that could really support you if used wisely. Instead of thinking of it as a limitation, it could simply be acknowledged as a tool to filter the alternatives that are out of your possibilities and to clear the path towards the house of your dreams.

Moreover, it is important to respect the set budget since it can affect your future considerably, especially if you are relying on a bank loan. A mortgage is going to last from 10 to 30 years and you have to pay for it today but also during the next stages of your life, when not all facts are clear: Are you going to start a family? Is vacationing an important part of your life? Would you like to buy a new car or motorcycle? Accordingly, it would be wise to limit the amount of the continuing fee to a maximum of 20% of your salary so you are safe, now and forever.

In conclusion, choosing the right home is not something to take lightly and it requires a lot of attention, from the big decisions to the tiniest detail. As an architect, I am fully qualified to assist you in buying the place you will be calling home for the following years and I can help you realize the true potential of each option. Contact me anytime for a half-hour meeting, free of charge, in studio or via Skype.

The Architect’s Advice