A home is more than just four walls, and finding the right one can be a rewarding (and sometimes stressful) experience. One of the biggest concerns while homebuying is landing on the ideal square footage to accommodate your needs. Here are six questions buyers can ask to help find a home.
Tip: Easily search for homes online through ComeHome.
1. How many people will live there?
To determine if a home is adequate for your needs, consider:
The number of people who will live there.
How many bedrooms, bathrooms or guest rooms will be required.
Overall layout and whether the space allows for healthy boundaries and personal privacy for each family member.
Adequate storage, common areas and outdoor space.
The right balance of these details can enhance comfort and functionality in your home and should be reviewed alongside your budget.
Read more: Find out which home loan is right for you with our quiz.
2. How do you use your home?
Everyone uses space differently in their home. Take note of whether your current square footage is conducive to your needs and behavior. For example, your house may have been the perfect size when you bought it, but transitioning to working from home has made you crave more space. Or maybe your big backyard, basement or playroom were essentials when your kids were younger, but now those features are rarely used.
3. How much can you afford?
It's crucial to select a home that suits both your family's needs and your budget. Before falling in love with a grand 5,000-square-foot Victorian mansion, consider how well it aligns with your practical requirements and figure out your budget. Then explore the variety of mortgage options from a lender like Ally Home to find one that suits you best.
4. What layouts do you like?
As you browse through listings, remember the number of square feet doesn’t paint the whole picture — the design of a home can be just as important in determining whether it’s the right fit. An open floor plan could be perfect for your family, or you might prefer the cozier feel of many smaller rooms. You might like the idea of a multilevel home, or a ranch-style house may be more practical.
Review layout and prioritize homes that align with your personal taste. Similarly, decide if you want your square footage to be mainly livable space or if room for storage, like walk-in closets and a garage, are necessities.
Remember the number of square feet doesn’t paint the whole picture — the design of a home can be just as important.
5. How long do you plan to live here?
It’s not always possible to know whether your next home will be for a lifetime or just the next few years, but a rough idea of how long you’ll be there helps you refine your wants and needs.
Real estate agents generally recommend staying in a home for at least five years because that’s typically how long it takes homeowners to recoup on initial expenses like closing costs. Plus, the longer you stay in your home and pay your mortgage, the more likely you are to build equity.
6. Will you spend much time at home?
Are you a homebody, or is your house simply the springboard for all your adventures and activities? If you work from home, are a stay-at-home parent, love to entertain or generally enjoy spending the majority of your time in the house, it makes sense to find one with more square footage and space that can be improved or adapted to suit your needs. If you view your home primarily as a place to sleep, investing in extra space that you won’t use regularly might not be the most cost-effective choice.
The right space for your taste
Homes come in many shapes and sizes, and finding the perfect fit is a personal journey. Think about what aspects of a home are most important to you, how you'll live and grow in it and what your future plans might entail. And, when you find a home you love, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage through Ally Home completely online.
