Any property search can be extremely stressful. However, when that search turns to focus on your dream forever home, it becomes infinitely more difficult. There can be a high amount of pressure on finding the perfect dream home, and it may even become a source of anxiety for those who worry that they might make the wrong choice and be stuck with a property that isn’t the one they had always dreamed of.
As long as you make the necessary preparations and be honest with what you are looking for, the search for your dream property doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. On the contrary, planning for and searching for your dream home should be an exciting time, with the opportunity to see what is out there and perhaps surprise yourself in what exactly you are looking for.
If you are uncertain about where to start or what to consider, here is a guide for finding your dream home.
What Does a Dream Home Mean to You?
Let’s start by first considering what exactly a dream home means to you. Everybody has a specific image or idea in their mind that is formed when somebody mentions the prospect of a dream home. So even if you haven’t actively thought about it too much, it is likely you have a vague idea.
While some dream homes in your mind may be a little out of reach — a castle or a mansion, for instance — it doesn’t mean that certain features or other areas that might be considered a luxury can’t be attained. You can always narrow it down later when you’ve decided on your budget, but for now, try to get a clear idea in your mind of where you can imagine yourself living and being happy.
If Not Perfect Now, Can It Be Made Perfect?
Unless you’re extremely lucky, it’s very unlikely that you’ll find the absolutely perfect home of your dreams ready on the market, within your budget, and without any work or changes needing doing whatsoever. It is, of course, always possible, but it’s never guaranteed.
This is where your imagination is going to be extremely helpful. If you find a property you love and which ticks most of the boxes, imagine what can be changed and rectified with it to achieve the points or features which are missing.
When viewing any property, be sure to imagine and understand whether it can actually be changed in years to come to make it your perfect dream home. This could be big renovations, small decorating issues, or a complete overhaul, but if the foundations are there, decide whether the investment would allow you to achieve your perfect home within it in the future.
Don’t Let Any Negative Home Inspection Reports Put You Off
The road to finding the perfect property isn’t always smooth. Viewing a property and falling in love with it is half the battle. You then need to have a home inspection, which could then throw your plans into chaos if certain negative aspects have been brought up.
However, it’s important not to dismiss a property straight away. Even if any negative areas are brought up during an inspection report, it may be that easy fixes can be made, or else that you do have extra room in your budget to make necessary fixes to get the property in shape.
There are many professional companies that will be able to offer advice and amend a property that has foundation issues or structural concerns, for example. So it’s important to not think all hope is lost if you find what seems to be your dream home, only to discover it has some underlying issues. Remember, they could be fixed.
Location vs. Property
While a dream home usually focuses on the property itself, it might not always be the case. Your idea of a dream property might focus primarily on where it is situated. Perhaps you’re certain that your dream home would be a town center location, a rural retreat, or even a beachside property. If that’s your dream focus, it may be that you’re actually completely flexible when it comes to the property itself, as long as the surroundings are up to scratch. You, therefore, need to decide which is more important to you during your search.
Present vs. Future
Dream homes are built to last. This means that you usually intend to stay in them for the majority of your life. With this in mind, you also need to think about future prospects when finding your ideal property. It may be that one property appears to be everything that you’re searching for based on your current lifestyle, but does the property still fulfill everything you need for the future? You should consider your future family and career plans. For instance, does your property allow for extra space and extra bedrooms? Would there be enough room if your family continued to grow?
Likewise, your dream home search could have come during a stage in your life when you’re looking to downsize. Is the property now too big for your future when family members or others may have moved out?
Work Out Your Budget
This is a crucial starting point. You need to fix a firm budget and only view properties which fall under your absolute maximum price. You don’t want to view any properties which you can’t afford and risk falling in love with them.
Your budget should also include spare cash for any additions, such as renovations or extra work needed to fix a property you have found.
Make a List of All Non-Negotiable Features
Another great way to eliminate unnecessary properties from your search is to be clear about what you need. If a huge garden is absolutely non-negotiable for you, you can make sure you’re only viewing properties that allow for a garden. The same goes for any other non-negotiable features, such as a certain number of bedrooms or an en suite bathroom.
Start Viewing Properties
The only way you’re going to be more comfortable with what you’re looking for and to see what is out there is to start viewing! Good luck and enjoy.
For many years now, James Benson has specialized in management consultancy. James focuses on real estate, and so if you have any questions on the matter, he’s your go-to man for the job. James is upfront, will respond to you ASAP, and is easily contactable