There are many factors to consider when searching for the optimum property to suit both your budget and your lifestyle. Once you have set yourself a budget, it's worth putting together a list of priorities to help determine your specific requirements and any areas you're prepared to compromise on.
Consider where you want to live and what sorts of properties might best meet your needs. Also consider how your lifestyle may change in the coming years. What sort of home might you need in a few years' time? If you are thinking about starting a family for example, you may need to find a home that is larger
than you require at the present time.
Here is a checklist of lifestyle choices to assist you with that all-important decision. We have also included an additional "Home Buyer Checklist" to help you evaluate the neighborhoods and assess the availability and condition of various features of up to three homes in a side-by-side comparison.
Click here to print the "Home Buyer Checklist."
IS THE PROPERTY IN THE RIGHT AREA?
• What does the surrounding area have to offer?
• How is the area set to improve if it's an area of regeneration?
• Is the property within a short distance of your transportation needs, i.e. airline, bus, car pooling,
is there infrastructure appropriate for the distance you need to travel by bicycle, motorcycle?
• Is it close to restaurants, bars, shops and other local amenities?
• Is it in a treed suburb or will it give you the city life you are looking for?
• What is the social side of the area like and are you close to family and
friends?
• Are there good nurseries or schools close by?
• Do you want pet-friendly parks nearby?
• Have you checked out the crime statistics for the area you are
considering?
• Are there kid-friendly areas?
THE PROPERTY SPECIFICS
• Do you want contemporary living or a period-style property?
• How many bedrooms do you need? Bathrooms? Garage? Square feet? And are you planning
to start or add to your family in the next few years?
• What are the amenities of the development? Does it offer facilities such as a gym, parking or
a concierge service?
• What are the room sizes like and how does the use of space work within the property?
• Do the kitchen and common areas within the property match your lifestyle? Do you like to
entertain and have guests around or do you live a fast-paced cosmopolitan lifestyle and simply
require a crash pad in the center of town?
• Are you looking for a quick purchase or a longer drawn-out project?
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOMES
There's a wide selection of homes out there. Which one is right for you? Depending on how much maintenance you want to do, how much privacy you need, or if you want something custom built to suit your particular tastes, each home type has its own features and benefits. And depending on the different stages of people's lives - whether they have children or are retiring - one type of home can be more attractive than the other. The Kincaid team can help you evaluate which one is right for you. Give us a call -let's chat.
Single-family homes Fixer-uppers Condominiums (Condos)
Townhouses (Town homes) Green Homes Vacation (Second homes)
New-construction homes
A NEW BEGINNING .... A NEW LIFESTYLE
The Kincaid team has a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) on board to help seniors make wise decisions about selling the family home, buying rental property or managing the capital gains and tax implications of owning real estate. The SRES® is the official designation of the National Association of Realtors. We recognize that there is a need for additional services when handling the real estate needs of seniors and have a system in place for meeting those needs.
