Forever is a long time. However, at some point in their lives, many people look to find the perfect “forever” home. In other words, you might be looking for a house that you will live in for the rest of your lives. As we move through the traditional family life cycle, our needs change. This is especially true in regard to the needs we have when it comes to our home.
When we have small children, having lots of space is important. So is living in a kid-friendly neighbourhood with parks and a close proximity to a school. When buying your forever home, this is an important thing to think about, at least in the earlier stages of your lives in the house.
As our children age (and eventually move out) it goes without saying that our needs change accordingly. If you are looking at buying your forever home after the kids are gone, there are a few things to consider.
Buying a condo has its benefits and drawbacks as a ‘forever’ home. One key benefit is in regard to maintenance. Condo fees will usually cover any (and all) maintenance requirements, including things like snow removal and mowing the grass. This can be a real benefit when it comes to buying your forever home, especially in our golden years. One drawback to a condo is the lack of space. If you are the type of people that requires more storage space or are a person that likes lots of additional rooms in your home, then a condo may not be the right ‘forever’ home for you.
Location is a key factor to consider as well. When the kids were younger, the neighbourhood you needed to be located in was much different than the location you will want to consider for your ‘forever’ home. Do you prefer the rolling hills of the country? Do you want to be in close proximity to the amenities of the city, such as shopping?
Whether you are single, an older married couple or an ‘empty nester’, buying your forever home is a big decision. However, it doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. Just think about your ongoing needs and let me know how I can help. Advice is always free.
