Once in a while, home seekers are faced with a rare dilemma – more than one house that they absolutely love and can’t decide between. While the problem of plenty may seem like a luxury, the wrong choice can make you regret the decision for years to come. After all, it’s not like you can dispose the house like a gadget you don’t like on social networking groups!
So how can you be sure that you’re making the right decision? A good approach is to make a list of criteria that are important to you and seeing how each home fares against each of the criteria.
Here are a few aspects you may want to consider when you have to choose a home:
- Neighbourhood:
This is probably one the aspects high on everybody’s list. Even if the home itself is quite classy, if it has a slum across the street for instance, it can become an off-putting experience to live there in the long run. Also, safety considerations need to be included i.e. is the neighbourhood generally safe for living? Are there requisite safety measures in place? - Condition of home:
No two homes are equal when it comes to the condition they are in. Sometimes while house hunting you will have to choose between a brand new home and a slightly older home. In such cases, it is good to decide on the one that is in better shape in terms of construction. It will ensure longevity of your asset. - Long-term investment potential:
No matter what the purpose behind your home purchase, you must ensure that you choose a home that has better potential as a long-term investment. Even if you plan to reside in it, choosing one that has very little potential of growth in value is a bad choice. - Cost factors:
One easy way to decide between two homes is to make a comparison of how much the cost adds up to. Not just the amount quoted by the seller but also hidden costs such as parking, maintenance, furnishing etc. Comparing in this manner can greatly improve clarity in your decision making. - Interiors:
Buyers who are not particular regarding the interiors are like mythical beings – they don’t exist! Everyone has an opinion on what kind of floor plan is good, what materials are preferable, what vastu or feng shui elements need to be present and so on. When faced with the dilemma of having to choose a home, look closely at the interiors of the homes. One will definitely be closer to the ideal than the rest. - Amenities:
Not every home offers identical facilities. While gyms, children’s parks, swimming pools are increasingly common, there might be specific amenities that you need based on your circumstances – for instance, in Bengaluru, buyers prefer to opt for homes that have 24/7 power backup due to the rampant electricity problems in the city. Or you may prefer an apartment complex that has a community hall that can be utilized. - Personal requirements:
What are your specific needs from your ideal home? Do you need it to be close to your workplace or other family members? Do you need a bigger space to accommodate a large family or are you seeking a home for a nuclear family? Are there family members who have health conditions that require a home on the ground floor? Use these personal requirements to narrow down the list and help you choose a home.
Home buying can be an overwhelming decision. A little bit of careful thought can help you make the right choice to make you happy for decades to come.