House hunting
By Christian Jay B. Quilo
Photos: Resource Furniture via AP
CHOOSING your new home will determine your life for the coming months or even years. It’s a make or break decision, which is why it is crucial that you find the best property for you. Here are some practical tips and things to ponder in your quest of finding a new place to call home.
Know your budget.
If you think it’s the perfect house for you but you can’t afford it, then it’s not the perfect house for you. It’s not worth getting that beautiful home if it means you’ll be up to the neck in debt.
Be realistic.
Let’s set our expectations appropriately, please. You’re not a Kardashian nor are you roomies with Gigi Hadid. You know what you can afford so you know what you can get.
Compare prices and options.
Just because the first place you visited is a solid choice doesn’t mean the search is instantly over. Check out other options first and see which one gets you more bang for your buck. You never know, option three or four might be better!
Ask about the living conditions.
Does it flood easily there? Is the neighborhood relatively safe? Is power outage common in the area? Safety and power stability, among other things, are some important matters you have to consider.
Know what you need.
Yes, you need a bedroom. But do you need an extra bedroom? No. Okay, you need a wardrobe. But do you need a walk-in closet? Probably not. Differentiate the needs and wants, the necessities and luxuries.
Take photos.
These will serve as your references if you need to review a specific property or an area of the house. It’s also a great way to envision how you want to lay out the space, where you want to put this or that.
Get a trusted agent.
An agent will make this challenging process easier. He or she will provide you with potential options based on your preferences and needs.
Take measurements.
Especially if you’ll be taking furniture from your previous home such as a couch or a bed. You have to make sure that your existing couch fits the living area of your new home.
Consider the location.
If it’s a great house but it’s too far from your work or school, you’ll end up spending a lot on gas or public commute. Maybe it’s not such a great option after all.
Don’t wait too long.
After you’ve looked through enough options and you feel like you’ve found the right one, go for it! You’re probably not the only one who has his eyes on the property, so get it while you still can.
