When entering the property market, you need to be mindful of your lifestyle before making the purchase. There are considerations that you need to make before committing to such a life-changing decision.
Buying a home needs careful planning and a checklist to ensure that it meets all your needs. The last thing you want is to overburden yourself with unconsidered financial commitments. You need to consider the next five years when purchasing a home because buying and then reselling within a short period of time will incur additional cost that will only be recovered in the long run.
Steven Barker, head of home loans at Standard Bank, shares the following factors to consider when choosing a home.
SCHOOLS
Seek a property that is close to a school district – firstly because by being close to schools, your children won’t have to travel far. Proximity to universities and colleges is also an important consideration if you have older children.
WORK
Before making a purchase, do your homework on travel costs. Living close to work will not only save time in terms of traffic, but also fuel and car maintenance.
AMENITIES
Choosing a property or development that is a significant distance away from sproviders needs careful consideration.
ACCESSIBILITY
Traffic may be a common problem, but choosing wisely will save you hours in traffic. Check the traffic flow in an area, as some areas have significantly more congestion than others.
SECURITY
Security is of the utmost concern – you must carefully consider the safety and security aspect that satisfies your requirements.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home, and this all depends on your personal circumstances. Draw up a list and brainstorm every eventuality. The effort will go a long way towards ensuring that your home is the right one for you.