by carolinaone_marketing
6. February 2015 11:20
Any good Charleston real estate guide will tell you that finding the right home is all about making a good investment. That doesn't mean it's easy to make the final choice, however. After all, any monetary advantage that you get will mean nothing if you are miserable in your own house. Here are three tips from Carolina One to guide you in the home-buying process—and help you end up with a place you'll be happy with in the long run.
1. Location is still everything – The old adage never fails in real estate because, over time, the homes in the best locations tend to appreciate more than the rest of the market. But choosing a good location is about more than just making a great investment (as important as that is): it's about your happiness. If you want seclusion and a view of nature, you're not going to be happy surrounded by a bustling neighborhood, but Isle of Palms might be for you. And similarly, if you want access to great shopping and restaurants, you won't be happy with a 30 minute drive to get to them, but the Wagener Terrace neighborhood might be ideal. What counts as a good location will depend very much on your preferences—do you want to live in a hip neighborhood, or a peaceful suburb?—but once you know what kind of neighborhood you'd love to live in, you shouldn't compromise. It's better to get a slight fixer-upper in a great locale than a perfect house somewhere you don't like.
2. Have enough room to grow – In recent years, people have really pared back how much space they look for in a new house, and all in all this is a smart move. However, you should think about both current and future needs when shopping for a home. Obviously, the most common example of this is having enough space for a growing family. That doesn't just mean having enough bedrooms for everyone, but also multiple bathrooms (this makes a huge difference for a family) and a room that can be used for play or family time. Storage needs will also grow along with your family. Remember, an addition or expansion is perhaps the most expensive upgrade you can make to a house, so finding a home that will suit your needs long-term is a must.
3. Remember that most problems can be fixed – Home buyers, especially first timers, have a tendency to set high expectations that don't always survive the walk-through. Unless you're able to increase your price range, chances are good that you'll have to make at least some compromises in the search for a dream home. Remember that virtually any problem, from kitchen layout to wall color to foundation settling, can be fixed. That doesn't always mean it's cost effective, of course, but if you find yourself saying, "This home would be perfect if only…" it's time to get a quote on making that "if only" come true. If it's less than the cost of seeking a bigger or better home, then it may be worth making the upgrade.
Ready to find your own dream home? Check out a Charleston real estate guide and let the hunt begin!