The Floor Plan

What's in a Floor Plan?

When searching for the perfect starter home you will want to consider the floor plan.  Does the layout of the home work for you and your family?  Will it be a one story or two story?  Do you need an open floor plan on the first level with all the bedrooms upstairs?  Maybe you need at least one bedroom on the lower level for an aging parent or guests.  What about open spaces?  It is ever so popular to combine the kitchen an living areas today as it almost becomes one space, seamlessly flowing into one another.  This creates the atmosphere of sharing and being together.  Closed off spaces, with the exception of bedrooms and bathrooms can be seen as cramped and old fashioned. 

Take some time to really think about your family's needs.  How will they change and grow?  Commonly in one story starter homes you will have 1 to 3 bedrooms grouped together on one side of the home with the master bedroom having its own private bath and one additional full bath accessible through the main hallway for the other bedrooms to share.  There may be a powder room for guests.  Commonly in two story starter homes you will have the living room, kitchen and other communal spaces on the first floor.  The second floor would have all the bedrooms and 1 to 2 full bathrooms. 

Keep in mind how your family operates.  Will you need a garage with side entry or does a grand entrance from the front of the house opening to a foyer rank high on your list?  It is very important to walk an existing home and be able to visual yourself going from room to room and space to space day in and day out.  In a new home you should be comfortable with how the plans are drawn and be sure the flow from room to room creates a comfortable situation for your family. 

Whichever the case, buying an existing starter house or building a new starter house, take time to consider the floor plan.  You will be glad you did.  Making the best decision up front will save you time and money in the long run.  Changes can be made to an existing home if necessary, just as alterations to house plans can be made before construction of a new home.  Which is best for your situation? 

Finding Your First Home

Looking for your first home can be exciting and stressful.  Let's take some of the stress out of the process by examining some simple steps to follow when searching for the perfect starter home.  It's best to start with a purpose in mind.  Having a goal as to where you see yourself in the next 5-7 years can help set the stage for this life changing endeavor.  What are your goals?  Which home will be right for you?  To help answer this question I have created a series of questions below that will be helpful in determining your needs.

1.  How many people will be living in your house?

2.  May your needs change in the next 5-7 years?  Will you need additional space for children or
     extended family?

3.  Do you have pets?

4.  How much yard do you need for children and pets?

5.  Will you need a garage or additional storage space?

6.  Where are your jobs located and how far are you willing to commute?

7.  What is your monthly income and how much mortgage can you afford? (Total debts should be      less;than 36% of your income.  To calculate, divide Total Monthly Debt/Total Monthly Income.)

See, "How Much House Can You Buy", article on bankrate.com.

Answering these questions will help determine square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, flex space, storage space, and outdoor living space required for your new home based on your needs and financial ability.  A growing family for example with 1-2 children will need 2-3 bedrooms with 1-2 full bathrooms.  If you plan on having children or the possibility of an elderly parent moving in with you in the near future you should consider additional space for growth.  Homes are a great investment for your family and can have provide a significant improvement in quality of life.  The satisfaction of owning your own home can be unmatched.  Taking the time in the beginning to decide which house is right for you and your family will pay off in the end. 

Next time we will explore buying an existing home versus a new home. 

If you have any questions about finding your first home, please post below.  Feel free to share your experiences as well.  Have you had a positive or negative experience in finding your first home?   

Bringing Home the American Dream

 

As some may say owning a home is part of the American dream.  Almost a god-given right as a free American to pursue life, liberty and homeownership.  It's an exciting endeavor and the largest purchase most of us will make in our lifetime.  Today there may be difficult challenges and barriers to homewonership, and with rising rent costs, owning a home is a dream for many Americans.

In pursuing this American dream, it brings to mind first time home buyers and starter homes.  Starter homes have played an integral part in making the dream of homewonership a reality.  For some a starter home may not be their dream home, but the first step into homeownership.  For others simply owning a home, a place they can call their own, is a dream come true.

In this blog I plan to pursue the importance of homeownership and why Americans should be encouraged to achieve this dream.  Specifically, the importance of home affordability for first time home buyers and the key role starter homes play in the real estate market.  The starter home will be explored in great detail with a focus on how to find a home that fits your family's needs and purpose.