Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Not only is it a huge financial commitment, it will also be where you and your family spend most of your time. That’s why choosing your home can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. That said, picking out the perfect property for you can also be a lot of fun, as long as you know what you are doing.
We spoke to Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong Sales Consultant, Rhys Summergreene, on what to consider when choosing a home for you and your family.
Location, location, location
Location is a key factor when choosing your home and according to Rhys there are many aspects to consider. How close is the house to the hospital, shopping center and schools? If you’re a nature lover, are there many parklands and walking trails close by? Consider your commute to work and access to public transport. While all these factors can be important, Rhys says there’s sometimes a need to compromise.
“While it’s great to live near your favorite cafe or restaurant, sit down and consider how important it is compared to being near school or work. The lifestyle of the area is what attracts people, but don’t lose sight of the practical things either”.
Speak to the neighbours
No one knows a suburb better than the people who live in it, Rhys believes speaking to the neighbors can be a useful way to get a feel for the neighborhood and discover anything about the property you might not be aware of.
“I always suggest driving around on a Sunday and seeing if there is anyone out the front of their house, maybe doing some gardening or playing in the street. You can usually get an idea of the neighborhood by driving around the surrounding streets as well. You can also see how well kept the properties and gardens are and how quiet the area is generally”.
Driving or walking around the suburb at various times throughout the day and week will help you learn more about the area. You may notice traffic is busy at certain points throughout the day or parking can be a little difficult on a weekend. These are all factors that will help you decide if a house and suburb is right for you.
Consider your future
“If you’re buying a first home and planning to have a family down the track, perhaps consider houses with multiple bedrooms and what schools are nearby. Researching the suburbs school zone may not be important right now but in may be in the future”.
In the ACT, schools may have Priority Enrolment Areas (PEAs.). Families who live within these areas have priority enrolment at that school. Rhys suggests doing your research to ensure you are in your desired area when it’s time for your children to start school.
Finally, Rhys suggests thinking about what you hope to get from the purchase. “There are two different types of purchase”, he explains, “and they mean two different types of decisions. Do you want to buy a house for capital growth, or one that you’ll enjoy living in?”
“If capital growth is the thing that’s most important to you, you may want to choose a property to sell in the near future or perhaps use as an investment. On the other hand, you may choose a house in an established suburb that you plan to live in long term.”
For expert assistance on choosing the perfect home for your family, give Peter Blackshaw a call.
