You see celebrities living in huge mansions independently, and then you also see large families living comfortably in small compact houses. Bigger houses have their perks, offering more bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and space. Smaller homes are more cost-effective as they are easier to heat, cool, furnish, and maintain. But in the end, it’s not about what house you like, but rather what type of house is ideal and suitable for your family and needs.

How Much Space Do You Need?

If you are looking for an ideal home for you and your family, there are a few things you need to consider while looking at what options are on the market. The first thing you should consider is the big picture and what you want to do. Are you considering downsizing compared to your current home or looking to go bigger? Perhaps you want to start a family in that home, which would require more space. Is this your retirement home? Or do you have a lot of belongings and just not enough space? How much time and expense will you devote to keeping the house clean? Are you looking to host friends and family when they visit, or would you prefer they stay in a hotel? The list of questions you could ask yourself when deciding, such as selecting your future home, is endless but crucial.

First Step

Assess the home you currently live in and highlight what part of your home is ideal for you in terms of size and what parts of the house you feel you require a larger area of. Don’t forget to look at your outdoor space as well. Would you like a larger backyard to grow more fruits and plants?

Now Look At Your Finances

It usually comes down to money, so when finding the ideal size of a home for a home, look for something that won’t strain your finances. It’s not only about how much money you will need to buy the house but how much money you need to run it.

Resist The Urge For Bigger

Bigger is not always better; consider the overall floor plan and how it flows. Older houses used to have separate formal living rooms, which most people no longer use. So look for a more modern home with maximum space where you require most. The aim is to find a home that uses every inch of space. A rule of thumb is to consider how many square feet are needed per person. The ideal square feet per person is about 600-700 feet.

The Floorplan

The house’s floor plan is always the most important because if you’re faced with a large-sized home that’s been designed poorly, you’re better off finding a small, more useful home. Look at what kind of rooms you specifically want. For example, when many are working from home, you may require an office during meetings away from the bustle of your household. If you have kids at home, you may want a kid’s room specifically for their arts and crafts needs so you don’t end up with paint on the walls of your living room. Trust your instincts about what you think suits your needs, and feel comfortable. So, if you’re someone with younger kids, you might want the master suite to be closer and more accessible to the kid’s rooms. Or if you have elderly people residing in the home, you would like a bedroom on the ground floor to make things easier for them.

Other Amenities

Don’t just spend all your time considering the main living spaces, such as the dining room, the living room, and the bedrooms. Look into the other overlooked spaces, such as a laundry room and storage closets. Think about whether you would prefer a laundry room upstairs or downstairs and which would be more useful. Would you like a study or spare room for hobbies such as tailoring or painting? Do you have many belongings where having an attic or a basement would be useful?

Highlight or write down a list of things that bear the most importance in your home buying decisions and secondary preferences. By having a clear list of what you require to make your house a home, you can focus on the most crucial things and all the other added benefits.

Your choice of home is very specific to your needs and criteria. Different families have different lifestyles and different stages of life. Hence, there isn’t a rulebook or a one-size-fits-all tip for everyone. Searching for the perfect home for you and your family is tiring but incredibly rewarding, so take your time searching for the ideal home.

Buckeye Northwest Realty provides houses for rent in Toledo, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about houses for rent, contact us today!