“There is something permanent, and something extremely profound in owning a home” -Kenny Guinn.
Owning a home has been considered a cornerstone of financial stability and wealth by many.
In most cases, becoming a homeowner is seen as a significant milestone in life and remains one of the top aspirations of Filipinos. However, buying a house is a complex process. Everyone has different priorities, which makes the entire buying process potentially complex and lengthy. All that considered, it may be easy to get off track. Ensuring that you have a written list of priorities of what you want in a home is a helpful way to make the process easier. More importantly, it helps you remember all of the features that are important to you as a homeowner and your family as well.
Understanding what you want in a home and which features are most important to you will help you come up with a more condensed list of potential homes to buy. It also aids you in eliminating properties that do not make the cut faster. As a prospective homeowner, knowing what features you want in a home can be a little overwhelming—particularly if this is your first house-hunting jaunt. In this article, we will discuss some of the features you ought to consider when buying a new house. Understandably, each will rank a little differently for each homeowner depending on their level of importance for individual homebuyers. However, it is worth noting that all of the points written below will be worth examining.
So, before you start examining property options from The Galleon Ortigas to Shang Residences Wack Wack, or checking out Aurelia Residences prices and the like, take a gander at the list below:
a.) Location of the house
In your house-hunting endeavor, you will likely encounter plenty of beautiful properties that will be up to your liking. However, one thing you need to keep in mind is that location is paramount. If you intend to live on the property you will be buying, you need to find a location that is accessible to places you frequent the most (work, school, hospitals, shopping, entertainment, and places of worship). While the prospective property does not necessarily have to be situated smack dab in the middle of a bustling city, you need to ensure that it has easy access to the main roads that would take you to major points of interest and establishments. Also, be sure to check the traffic flow.
b.) Size of the lot
Some prospective homeowners tend to overlook the size of the lot the house sits on in favor of the house’s overall aesthetic. In a neighborhood, lot sizes may seem fairly similar, but if you are a little keen on the details, you will notice that there is a difference. Once you start looking at what is available, you will soon have a clear preference for what size you want. Also, this is where you will learn to appreciate the difference between a corner and an interior lot. Keep in mind that lots are shaped differently, and depending on their level of privacy and how you will use them, the size will inevitably matter to you. That said, be sure to check the lot description and dimensions with your realtor. If you find a good property that includes two lots, it opens up a whole range of possibilities—especially if the second lot is buildable.
c.) Number of bedrooms
Each family typically has an idea of how many bedrooms they would like depending on how many family members would be living on the property. Typically, most people would want at least two. If there are children, that number increases. To save up on space and costs, there are families that encourage their children to share bedrooms, while there are some that would prefer to have separate bedrooms for each to accommodate individual needs. If you regularly entertain guests from out of town, it is a good idea to have a spare bedroom that can be designated as your house’s guest room.
d.) Number of bathrooms
You should know ahead of time how many bathrooms you would want on your property. If there is only one bathroom for the entire house, it may be a little difficult to live with if you plan on having children or having guests over regularly. Ideally, your prospective property should have at least two or more bathrooms. The size and style of the bathroom should come into play as well. Do you wish to have a bathtub, a shower, or both? You also need to take note of your family’s needs. Do you have a handicapped spouse or parent who will be living with you? If so, they will need an accessible bathroom.
e.) Kitchen layout
The kitchen is the heart of the home. That said, it is imperative for kitchens to have a layout that makes sense. Kitchens are where family and friends typically gather, and because there is a flurry of activity usually going on in here, size is also important. Early on, you should be able to determine whether you want a large gourmet kitchen with a lot of counter space and storage. If you have a designated person or family member who will be doing all the cooking, a modest kitchen may be adequate. However, if you wish to teach your children how to cook, you may want to have a little more space. Be sure to jot your preferences down and discuss them with your realtor so that they can give you the best option.
