When you buy a house, you're making a big commitment. You'll likely be living in the home you buy for at least several years. This makes carefully thinking about what you need in a property beforehand a must. A single person especially needs to consider what kind of a property they can handle. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Do you want a one-story or multiple-story home? Having a home where everything is on one level can be very convienient, and you won't have to deal with stairs. Homes that are two or more stories are often larger than those with only one story, and they offer more separation between public and private spaces. Of course, a larger house means more cleaning, and you'll be running up and down steps every day.
What kind of kitchen will you need? If you're an aspiring Julia Childs, you'll want a kitchen that offers plenty of countertop area and room to work. For those who'd rather toss a frozen dinner into the microwave, a more basic kitchen will do. Have lots of cookware and dishes? You'll need to find a home with a lot of kitchen cabinets!
How many bathrooms do you want? Wait a minute, you say. It's only going to be me in this house; I'll only need one bathroom. That's very true, but keep in mind that having at least one extra half-bath will increase the resale value of the home. And if you have a plumbing problem with your one and only toilet, oops! You've got a problem. Hope you've got nice neighbors that'll take pity on you and let you use theirs. Downsides of multiple bathrooms- more plumbing to be maintained, and more cleaning to do.
Do you like to entertain? Cozy little intimate gatherings can be held in almost any living space, but big bashes require more room. If you love having the gang over on a regular basis, make sure you have enough room for them to be comfortable. And remember; you want enough space, but not more space than you can easily maintain.
Will I need more than one bedroom? Some folks can get along just fine with only a single bedroom. But if you ever have overnight guests, or if you need an in-home office, at least one extra bedroom is an asset. Multiple bedrooms add to a home's resale value, too. A multiple bedroom home is also easier to sell- no family wants to buy a one bedroom home, and most single people want at least one extra bedroom too. Of course it's an extra room you'll have to clean, though.
How much storage do I need? Storage is a big consideration when you're house-hunting. Some folks are minimalists by nature, but most of us have items we need to store. Have a look around your current living space, and try to envision how much storage space you'll need in your new home. Will you need a basement or attic to keep things in? How many closets do you think you'll need? Do you want your home to have specialized storage areas, like coat and linen closets? Keep in mind as you make these decisions that you likely have more things than you realize- you'll find that you when you're packing to move!
Having a list of "needs" for your new home worked out before you go house-hunting will help streamline the process. It'll help you find a home that's practical for your lifestyle.
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