How Big of a House Do You Need?

Choosing a home is about more than just square footage or the number of bedrooms. It would help to consider several factors when deciding which size house is best for you.

Firstly, you must ask yourself if this will be your forever home. You might feel pressured to think of your next home as the end-all-be-all, but that’s not necessarily true. Consider the likelihood of you staying versus moving. Will you stick with this home long-term, or is this house good enough for now?

Secondly, you need to think about your future income. Your income can change depending on what phase of life you’re in right now. For instance, someone just starting a career may see their income increase as they grow. On the other hand, someone looking to retire in a few years will probably see a decrease in their income. You want to avoid setting yourself up for financial stress in the future. Therefore, choosing a house well within your budget is better than spreading your finances too thin. Remember that a larger home means more extensive maintenance and upkeep costs. The bigger the space, the more expensive any renovations and updates will cost.

Thirdly, you should consider how you will use the space. Think about your priorities and values. Are you going to need a large dining room for dinner parties? If so, fantastic! But if not, it’s okay to be honest with your priority list. If your best friend loves to host dinner parties, it doesn’t mean you have to! You may like outdoor space more and prefer a nice backyard where you can garden. Remember, this is your home, and you don’t need to feel pressured to do anything if you don’t want to. If sharing your home with the ones you love is something you truly value, then definitely getting some extra space is a good idea.

Fourthly, you need to determine how much privacy you need. Every family dynamic is different. Some people value their alone time and need space away from their kids or spouse. Conversely, a house too large for your family may feel emptier and not cozy. Whether you need more space for yourself or want to feel closer to your loved ones, think about the right size and layout that strikes a balance for your family.

Finally, you need to consider if the home feels spacious enough. Square footage can be deceiving. A smaller home can still feel spacious depending on specific features like layout, lighting, and decor. Reducing clutter and maximizing space with lighter colors and open-concept designs can transform the perceived size of a home. Another thing to consider is that you may be pleased with a smaller main bedroom if your closets have a lot of storage space. Having enough storage can reduce clutter in the rooms you use the most.

In conclusion, you need to look honestly at your values to visualize your life in a new home. Getting hung up on things like size and the number of rooms may keep you from finding the home that fits YOUR dream. For example, being open to a smaller home can give you a bigger budget to choose your prime location. Conversely, a larger home is ideal if you value your space and privacy. As long as you’re honest with yourself about your lifestyle, values, and priorities, you can strike the perfect balance and find the home that’s right for you.