Buying a forever home is a major milestone in life. It requires thoughtful consideration, from the budget to the living space needed and beyond. Unlike purchasing a starter home, buying a forever home requires more research and planning as it may be the last house you ever buy. A forever home should include features that will make it comfortable for many years to come and should be tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. You must consider not only the present but also the future when looking for your forever home.
Buying a forever home is much different from buying your first starter home because . . . well, because you will live there much longer, probably for the rest of your life. So when selecting your forever home, you simply have to choose wisely. Otherwise, you could wind up living – for many, many years – in a home that doesn’t suit your needs and doesn’t really make you happy. To help you choose wisely, then, here are 3 things to consider when buying your forever home in Effingham County and Savannah.
1. Personal Readiness
Before buying your forever home in Effingham County and Savannah, before you even begin looking at potential properties, you first need to make sure you’re ready to take that step.
First, this means truly understanding what it means to own and maintain a home. If you began your homeownership journey in a starter home, then you’re probably prepared on this front. You will have the basics of home ownership down and will be ready to move on to a forever home, which will require even more commitment and responsibility because it will probably be larger and you will live there much longer.
Most important is that you be honest with yourself when determining your readiness to buy and move into a forever home. Will you be able and willing to handle the increased upkeep? Do you have the time, skills, and money to take on even more home ownership responsibilities?
Also, you should carefully consider what your life will look like in 10 to 20 years. Experts say that it makes sense to buy a home only if you plan to live in it for at least five years. But that length of stay is even longer for a forever home.
Forever homes are typically larger and more expansive than starter homes. And that means you will need to live in a forever home much longer in order to break even on the purchase price. So think about your plans, your employment outlook, and how you see yourself and your life several years down the road.
2. Location and Potential for Expansion/Extension
Location is an important consideration for any home, but it’s even more important for buying a forever home in Effingham County and Savannah. You need to find the right location – one that will meet the needs of you and everyone else in your household.
Make sure, then, to do plenty of research about the neighborhood and the surrounding area. Look into, for example, the quality of the local schools, the proximity of amenities like shopping areas and parks, and the transportation/commute outlook. Is there accessible public transportation if you need it? Or if you drive, are there major arteries to get you where you need to go, say, to work, to shopping spots, or to the doctor?
Another important aspect of the location to consider is the potential for expansion/extension of the home. Most families grow over time, whether through having more children or taking in elderly relatives. Will you be able to expand the home, and will it increase the home’s value?
Be sure, then, to look into whether a possible forever home can legally be expanded and/or the property extended. Zoning laws and municipal codes are a critical consideration there. If not sure how to find out what you need to know in this respect, you should consult a Effingham County and Savannah agent. To find out more, just call (912) 695-6932.
3. The Interior and Value-Space Possibilities
Certainly, the square footage of your forever home will be a concern, but there’s more to take into account with respect to the interior of the home.
You should, for example, consider the layout – the size and placement of the rooms primarily. Would an open floor plan suit you best? Or would you rather have several smaller rooms? But also consider the quality of the fixtures and fittings. Will you have to replace those to get the home the way you want it? And pay particular attention to the kitchen because, for most people, it will be the heart of the home.
Another important consideration with regard to the interior is whether you will be able to create what are called “spaces of value” for you and your family. These are things such as a dedicated remote work area, a suitable place for relaxation and recreation, or desirable outdoor living spaces.
There’s one thing we’ve learned since the advent of COVID, and that is many people need a dedicated work area at home. Will your prospective forever home allow you to create such a space without sacrificing needed living areas?
The Most Important Step Toward a Forever Home
It is important to be aware of all the factors that come into play when choosing a home for your retirement. Your needs and lifestyle should take priority when selecting a location, as this will ultimately determine if you are happy in your new surroundings. You should also consider whether or not the home is suitable for hosting friends and family, as well as evaluating its proximity to services like medical centers or shopping centers.
You really do need to consider carefully when choosing that final home where you’ll live out the rest of your years. It’s important, then, that you work closely with an experienced, local Effingham County and Savannah agent to find the perfect home. So when you’re ready to buy your forever home in Effingham County and Savannah, be sure to contact me at (912) 695-6932.
