Buying your first home is an amazing experience! Young couples, especially, spend countless hours dreaming up what their first big purchase will look like. However, as with anything else in life, experience plays a vital role in knowing what to look for. Perhaps the greatest thing to consider when looking to buy for the first time is…the future. That may sound a bit strange but having an idea of what you’re goals and expectations are should be at the forefront of the decision making process. For instance, are children in the near future? Will there be any indoor or outdoor pets? Are you planning on hosting large gatherings on a regular basis? There’s a lot to keep in mind. Let’s review a few things to be on the look out for!

First of all, consider location. For some, the perfect place to live may be right in the middle of the city. Others prefer to be nestled down in the country. How do you feel about the school district that your prospect home is located in? What about activities? Are you a runner that enjoys neighborhood sidewalks or an outdoorsman that wants to be close to the lake?

Second, carefully review the layout of the house. Where is the master bedroom located in relation to other rooms? If you enjoy hosting a lot of company, you may consider an open floor plan where the kitchen, dining, and living room all flow together. If not, you may be more interested in a floor plan that allows for a little more privacy. High ceilings add character, but they also add energy costs. Consider the pros and cons to every option. Then, pick the one you’re most comfortable with.

Finally, look to see if the home has an unfinished future space. One thing is for certain. If you are a first time home buyer, odds are you’re going to begin to accumulate more than you would expect within the first few years. If children are in the plans, you will almost certainly need more room eventually. Choose a home that will meet your needs not only now but down the road as well!

What are your thoughts? There are countless things to consider when looking for a new home. Name some more and visit www.gustafsonproperties.com if you’re looking to build, or if you’re just curious as to what’s available in the area. We look forward to hearing from you!