home-purchase Archives

How to Know When it’s Time to Move to a Larger Home

Few of us are lucky enough to have the funds to move into our first home and have that be big enough or in the right location to serve as our “forever home.” Still, as your circumstances change or you seek to make the most of market opportunities, you may feel an increasing desire to move to a larger home. As you’ll know, though, bigger homes come with larger expenses, so it can be difficult to know when it’s the right time to move.

Much of this will come down to your situation and your gut instinct, but here are a few tips to help you better understand what you should be considering when making this decision.

Signs that a move is on the horizon

Perhaps the first and most irrefutable feeling that you’ll get when it’s time to move is that of being cramped. Whether it’s due to the number of people, the need for more of a workspace, or accessibility needs, you know when there’s not enough space for everyone to be comfortable. Sometimes, this will be as obvious as bumping into things or needing to step over stuff, or more subtle, like hearing activity from all over the house.

Aspects like this can help you to know if you need to move to a bigger house, which USA Today Money expands on by saying that the need for additional storage or bedrooms can also factor in as key reasons. Your work situation can also play into this sense of needing to move. Perhaps you’re now able to work at home, or in a hybrid role, or live too far away from work, or live too close to work where the cost of living is very high. In all of these situations, a house move may very well help to alleviate some of your problems.

How to know if a move is right for you

The first aspects to address once you know that you’re ready to move mainly pertain to your finances. A good sign that you can move to a bigger home is if your debt-to-income ratio is low, according to Business Insider. It’s said that to get a mortgage, you need a debt-to-income ratio at or below 43 percent. To find your ratio, divide your monthly debts by your gross monthly income and then multiply by 100 to see the percentage.

You can also get a good idea of the affordability of upscaling by using the fee-free mortgage in principle from Trussle to soft check against many mortgage lenders. This service will allow you to accurately see how much you could borrow. Being a soft check, it won’t impact your credit score, but it does check your credit history and eligibility. This way, you get a reliable figure that you can then work from to find a larger house within your budget.

However, knowing your prospects as a potential mortgage lender is one thing: another is knowing your affordability on the other side. You’ll need to work out the costs of moving and the admin that goes along with getting a new home, as well as a likely increase in monthly costs. When you move to a bigger house, you’re likely to end up spending more on local taxes and utility bills. So, you’ll want to research those elements too.

You’ll likely know when you’re approaching the time when you need to find somewhere more spacious to live, but just before you hit the point when you absolutely need to move, check if it’s financially viable.

Home Buying 101: Things to Ask Yourself When Looking for the Perfect Family Home

Buying a home is a big, if not the biggest, investment many of us will make. It’s also a process that requires careful consideration and a lot of thinking in advance. After all, it’s a place that needs to accommodate your family members and help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Because of that, it’s important to consider some of the most crucial factors before making such a big decision. Below, four things to ask yourself when looking for the perfect family home.

Is the location right for you?

The location of your new house is the one thing you won’t be able to change about it. Because of that, you need to carefully consider whether the location is right for you and your new family. Of course, if you’re moving to a new city, your research process will be a lot different from someone who’s moving just a few doors down the street. Still, it’s important that you do your homework and consider your family’s current and future needs. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a new location.

· the distance from your new home to work, schools, and city center

· proximity of parks, woodland, and walking trails (especially if you have a family dog)

· proximity of restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and pharmacies

· parking spots

· accessibility and appearance of a neighborhood

· lot location itself (e.g. near a busy road, a commercial property, or a body of water)

Are you looking for a new build or used home?

Depending on their preferences and budget, families may choose to buy a pre-owned home or build a new one. Of course, both options have their pros and cons. New homes come with home warranties and eliminate the “what if” factor that usually comes with pre-owned homes. Building developers may even throw in ‘bonuses’ as an incentive for you to put your name on the dotted line.

On the other hand, pre-owned homes are often in need of repair and may come with cosmetically covered up conditions. And since the house has been used for a while, you may need some help from eco friendly cleaning services to make sure all the stains, and hidden dirt are eliminated and you’re left with a safe, clean environment. That said, used homes are often move-in ready since they come with the appliances and sometimes even furniture. This is perfect if you’re strapped for time and need to relocate as soon as possible.

Does the size of the house fit your family’s needs?

This is certainly one of the biggest considerations homebuyers have when looking for a new family home. Surely, smaller homes may seem more appealing for a couple who’s just had their first child. But if you’re planning on expanding your family or want to be able to accommodate an aging family member, you’ll need to take that into consideration and get a house that’s big enough to accommodate everyone. In contrast, if you have older children, they may be moving out soon, and you won’t need as much space.

Factor in both your current and future needs, and pay special attention to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Ideally, each bedroom will be able to fit a double bed, and there’ll be one bathroom per every two bedrooms. Things like these will allow for flexibility while also making everyday living more convenient.

Will your new home fit your lifestyle?

The way you use your living space will also play a vital role when deciding on your potential new home. Not everyone has the same needs, and someone who travels a lot may not prioritize the same things as someone who works from home or someone who entertains a lot. Think about how you and your family will be utilizing the space and how practical it is for everyday living. Here are some of the questions that can help you find your new dream home based on your lifestyle.

· How big of a backyard/outdoor space do you need?

· Are there dedicated spaces for adults and kids?

· Is there enough storage for your family’s belongings?

· What type of floor plan does your family need?

· What do you value the most about the way you and your family live?

Make sure you answer these questions before you begin house-hunting. That way, you’ll work-out your non-negotiables from the get-go and navigate the complex homebuying process with much more ease.

Wrapping up

Different families have different needs and priorities, both of which play a vital role in the homebuying process. After all, the home you choose now will be central to your family life. Therefore, take your time to consider your needs and ask yourself the right questions. That’s the only way to make sure you’re making the right decision.

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About The Author

Taylor Parker is an American based writer and blogger. She is very passionate about family, fashion, health, and lifestyle. Taylor writes mostly lifestyle articles, but also you’ll find her in home improvement and other niches. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

How to Purchase the Home You Always Wanted

Finding a home that fits you is an emotional journey – it’s both exciting and exhausting. It’s also one of the biggest investments many of us will make in their life. This is why you want to make sure that you find “the one” and make the best decision possible.

The question is: How do you actually get the house of your dreams? And, more importantly: How do you know if you are making the right choice? To assist you with your search and help you narrow down your options, here are five things you’ll need to cross off from your checklist and get the house of your dreams.

Consider your personal style and needs

First things first, not every future homeowner enters the home-buying process wanting the same things from their new home. Some prefer the look of a penthouse, some envision a condo, while others like the appeal of suburban properties. Some may embrace the tiny house movement while others see themselves living in a villa.

And style isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind when searching for your dream abode. You’ll also need to consider your individual needs and choose accordingly. A condo may sound like a great low-maintenance option compared to a single-family home. However, it will not offer the amount of green space, freedom, and privacy that come with the latter. Sometimes, getting the house that ticks all the right boxes will involve hiring a general contractor and having them help you determine the best style, design, and budget so you can realize your project.

Befriend your local realtors

A real estate agent can be of major help in your quest for the house of your dreams. Their experience and ability make them invaluable resources that will make your search easier, smoother, and far less stressful.

According to the best realtors in Scottsdale AZ, befriending your local real estate professionals also means you’ll have access to properties before they officially hit the market. This means that you can beat the crowds and snag the ideal house before other buyers know it exists. They’ll also keep your needs and wants in mind so you’ll steer clear of homes that aren’t appropriate for you, not to mention the amount of time and money they’ll save you in the process.

Do your research

A big part of the home-buying process is doing some extensive research. You want to learn everything there is to know about the location, neighborhood, walkability score, and nearby amenities. Check out the schools, hospitals, restaurants, malls, and other public facilities in the area, and check neighborhood safety as well.

The last thing you want is to find a home that fits you perfectly and realize that it’s not safe or that everything you need is out of reach. Do your homework, and remember to visit the neighborhood on weekdays, weekends, and at different times of the day.

Get your finances in order

Sometimes, you’ll run into homes that will look amazing but will be well outside your budgetary limits. Looking at such homes is a waste of time and it can tempt you into getting something you can’t afford. You’re better off aiming for homes that you can pay off comfortably.

To do that, you’ll need to get your finances in order. Examine your credit score and see if there’s something you can do to improve your credit for a home loan. Seeing where you stand will help you set financial limits and minimize stress, making your home-buying experience a smooth one.

Keep an open mind

Every homebuyer starts their home-buying journey thinking they’ll find a home that ticks all the boxes right away. Of course, there may be instances where everything simply falls into its place (in which case – lucky you!). But most of the time, houses will have certain features that homebuyers won’t necessarily want or like.

Now, getting a perfect home doesn’t always mean buying one. Sometimes, it means making small, necessary changes and updates until your new home fits you perfectly. Therefore, keep your mind open when house-hunting. Look past the flaws, especially when it comes to cosmetic blemishes that can easily be fixed. Most importantly, make sure it’s a home that will grow with you. With little time, effort, and TLC, you can take an imperfect house that needs a bit of work and turn it into a gorgeous, warm, and inviting home you’ll love coming back to.

Wrapping up

Getting the house you’ve always wanted is a dream come true for many, but it’s not exactly an easy feat. However, if you follow guidelines and learn what to look for, you’ll make this process so much smoother and easier.

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Buying A House? Look For These 10 Things

Buying a home can be an exciting time in a person’s life. It is a big step and it can often be accompanied by a fairly long process. This consists of saving for a down payment, finding the right agent, and of course, visiting homes.

When on these visits, it can be a little overwhelming in terms of what you should be focusing on. However, there are a couple of things you need to be sure to keep an eye out for. These can be crucial when evaluating the quality of a home and how well it fits your needs.

Without any further ado, let’s go over ten things you should look for when buying a house.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you want to save money and help reduce your carbon footprint, you should be on the lookout for energy efficient appliances. They will work the same as traditional models, only use much less energy and water. While choosing the right electricity provider can help lower your utility bills, using efficient appliances has the potential to save you hundreds or even thousands annually. For comfort consider buying a dehumidifier

A Decent-Sized Garage

Another thing to look for is a home with a garage. Not only will it protect your car from damage and potential burglars, but also give you a ton of places to store things like bikes, garden equipment, your recycling and anything you may not want in the house. While any garage is decent, the larger the garage, the most space you have to store things. Garages are especially crucial in cold and snowy environments.

Enough Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Another thing to look at is the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The amount needs to not only work for you today, but also your future plans for a family. In general, you can never have too many bedrooms. In addition to the number of these rooms, you also want to look at their condition and size. For example, the bedroom should be big enough for a bed and dresser, and have a decent closet. When it comes to bathrooms, the water pressure should be good, and the quality of the vanity, tub, and toilet should also be examined. The last thing you want are surprises after you move in.

An Adequate Amount of Storage

You also want to make sure the home has adequate space for storage. A lack of space can lead to a ton of clutter, and can make the home a little too cramped. There should be decent-sized closets for jackets, clothing and linens, and plenty of places to store things you don’t use all the time such as camping gear, luggage, workout equipment and more. Unfortunately, space often comes at a premium, so you may need to get creative with your storage in some cases.

A Nice Yard

While the inside of the home is important, there will certainly be some times you want to enjoy the outdoors. Because of this, it is a good idea to look at the backyard of a home in a lot of detail. What constitutes a “nice” yard can vary from person to person. Some will prefer a low-maintenance space to relax, while others will love a large garden to plant their favorite flowers and veggies. While yards can be changed in terms of design and landscaping, it can take a lot of work.

The Curb Appeal

Speaking of the outdoors, the curb appeal of a home is also important. You want a home that looks good from the street, and has been well taken care of. Not only that, but you want to ensure the curb appeal is right for what you want. Some people may like a large front yard with a lot of greenery, while others may prefer a low-maintenance front yard with rocks. The color of the home and the materials used on the outside (siding, brick, wood etc…) should also be thought about.

A Safe Neighborhood

The area surrounding the home is also something to consider. In general, you want to live in an area that is safe, especially if you have children. This can give you a lot of peace of mind knowing you don’t have to constantly worry. In addition to safety, you should also look for a neighborhood with easy access to amenities, parks nearby, good schools and great places to go for walks.

The Heating and Cooling

The systems used for heating and cooling the home should also be looked at and evaluated. When it comes to heating and cooling, many modern homes will have a furnace and central air. However, others may use radiators for heat and an AC unit on the walls. There is no best option here, it just comes down to which one you prefer and can afford. Of course, you should always have a professional evaluate the quality of these systems before moving in, as you might not be able to identify any potential issues.

A Solid Foundation

The foundation of the home isn’t something many buyers will think about, but it should be. A home with a strong and sturdy foundation is what you want. If the foundation is cracking, or doors in the home are sticking, it can be a sign it isn’t in great shape. A home inspector should always go over the foundation before your purchase is final, but it can’t hurt to look at the state of the foundation yourself, as well.

A Kitchen That Fits Your Needs

The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house. It is not only a place to cook and eat food, but also to gather as a family and entertain. As a result, you want a home that has a kitchen that fits your unique tastes and preferences. Sure, kitchens can be renovated, but they are among the most expensive rooms to fix, so it’s easier to choose a home with a kitchen you can handle without much need for change.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you in your house hunting journey. While these aren’t the only 10 things you should think about, they are among the most important to consider and look for.

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