Six Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Home for Your Family

As you begin shopping for a home, make a checklist of what you need in a property to ensure that your family has the best possible space to thrive.There are several important things to consider when shopping for Colorado Springs houses for sale, especially when you must take into account the needs and preferences of several different people. Summarized below are some of the most important factors to keep at top of mind as you shop for a home.

 

Consult with a lender before you tour homes for sale in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to determine what sort of loan you qualify for and how much you can afford to spend on the home. Your lender will consider factors such as your debt-to-income ratio and your current credit score as they determine what type of interest rate and what amount of loan they can offer you. The specific details and amounts will vary based on what lender you’re speaking with, so make sure you set aside time to talk with several experienced lenders and consider different options.

Also keep in mind that the money you spend on purchasing the home won’t be the only cost associated with moving. There may be additions or renovations you want to have done after you take ownership of the home to help it better fit your family’s needs and day-to-day life. Take these costs into account as you put together your budget for the home.

 

Every thorough home search should also include a neighborhood search. The neighborhood where your new home is located is an important aspect that will affect both your quality of life as well as the home’s long-term value. It’s also something you can’t change after you buy the home, even if you decide you don’t like it. You may want to make sure your home is close to key services such as hospitals, fire stations, and grocery stores. Think about what shared amenities (such as walking trails, swimming pools, or playgrounds) your neighborhood has to offer and what is most important to you. Do some research to learn about the quality of the schools that your new home is zoned for, but keep in mind that you can opt for your School of Choice in Colorado Springs.

 

No two homes are the same in terms of layout and construction. The setup of your home will impact your day-to-day life and the overall functionality of your home. Your family’s size and unique preferences will impact what type of home you’ll want to buy. Do you want an additional living space that your children can claim as their own? Do you need a home office space for days and times when you’ll work remotely? What about outdoor living spaces? Keep in mind how you’ll use each space in the home as well. Some properties have long hallways or awkwardly-shaped rooms that are hard to use to their full potential and may constitute wasted space.

 

If your children will be attending a private school, the location or school zone where your home is located doesn’t matter much. You may prefer a short commute to that school, but your home’s location won’t impact whether or not your child can attend the school. If your children will attend a public school, take time to study the schools that the home is zoned for. You can do research online to read reviews from past students and parents as you consider the ratings and reviews the schools have received and can opt into the school of choice program in Colorado Springs.  Visit https://schoolchoiceforkids.org for more info.

 

If your family is still growing, your future needs for space may be different from what they are today. You want to buy a home that will work well into the future. If it’s currently just you and your spouse but you plan to have children in the near future, make sure you buy a home that has space for a nursery. If your young children are currently sharing a room but will need their own space one day, look for a home that has an extra bedroom or two.

Also decide whether you need a guest room for visitors. Perhaps explore homes that have separate mother-in-law suites so that grandparents and other extended family members have their own quarters whenever they come into town.

 

Although it’s likely you won’t be selling your new home anytime soon, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t think about what your home’s value could be down the road. Coming up with ideas for practical upgrades and renovations is one way to increase your home’s value while occupying the space. In recent years, minor kitchen and bathroom upgrades have provided the highest return on investment. If you want to do some work to your home but aren’t sure where to start, consider painting your kitchen cabinets or installing a new shower head. These are small shifts, but they can help your home stand out among other Colorado Springs houses for sale when you eventually decide to sell.

 

Kathi Donivan understands how important it is to find a home that fits your family’s needs. She has helped hundreds of buyers and sellers move towards their real estate goals during her time working in the industry and would be honored to guide you through the entire transaction.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Kathi Donivan}