Picking a home that will suit your needs now and in the future

When buying a home, everyone is looking for what serves their needs at their current stage of life. Of course, no one is going to purchase a house that negatively affects the way they live now. However, something that many potential homeowners don’t consider is what their needs will be later on. Life can change and fast! That’s why it’s a good idea to think long-term before purchasing a home. What future needs may arise? Will your family grow? Do you have an aging loved one who may have trouble with a multilevel abode?

Location

A location may seem perfect for your present situation, but what if that changes? For example, you may find a house that isn’t close to anything you usually frequent, but you sacrifice that because it is right next door to your job and you can’t pass it up. What if you change jobs one day? Or, what if your job moves office spaces? Try not to let  current employment keep you from the location you want to live in now so you aren’t stuck in the future.

Future Projects

Be careful buying a home with features you don’t like solely based on the idea that you will renovate it in the future. Things you think you will have time for now may not always end up being feasible. Life and all the busyness that comes with it can sometimes get in the way.

Size

A home that may seem to be the perfect size now could end up feeling quite the opposite down the road. Be sure you keep in mind whether or not you might have children or even a relative joining you, as that may require an extra bedroom or two. People are not the only thing that can make your space seem like it’s closing in on you. If you work from home with a job that is increasingly demanding, you could end up needing more “office” space. In addition, consider yard size. Do you envision having a furry friend that would need space to run and play?

Resale

You may think this is the place you will live forever, but you never know, which is why it’s important to always consider a home’s value in terms of resale. Look at it through the lens of the average homebuyer instead of just in terms of you and your family.

Affordability

A mortgage payment that seems mostly doable now could turn into a real stressor on your budget. When looking to buy a home, make sure the mortgage payments and other fees are payable in any situation, for example, temporary unemployment, unexpected medical bills, etc. Wishful thinking isn’t always the best to cling to when it comes to home payments.

These are just a few things you need to consider before signing on the dotted line. Just remember, when it comes to buying a home that’s going to be with you for a while, the future is just as important as the present.