Do you like to entertain and want to find a home that supports that goal? We have some tips for that.
The perfect home for entertaining is one that offers plenty of space while maintaining a cozy atmosphere, but there may be several things you want to check off your list when searching for a new house or apartment. For some, having plenty of parking access is a major concern, while others want a big, updated kitchen to provide for gatherings of any size.
No matter what your perfect home looks like, Millam Real Estate Group can help you find it with frequent updates on properties to fit varying budgets. Here are a few ideas to help you get started on a list of qualities your new home has to have for entertaining, plus tips on how to start the buying process.
Think about your must-haves
When putting together a list of the qualities you want in a home, think first about your must-haves. These are things like the number of bedrooms for your family, the size of the floor plan, and the area of the surrounding outdoor space. Then, consider the extras. Will you have frequent overnight guests throughout the year? If so, it’s a good idea to add a bedroom to the number you need and, if possible, an extra bathroom or half-bath.
This will ensure that your guests have a measure of privacy and comfort during their stay with you and will cut down your stress levels at the same time. Pro tip: keep in mind that you can also make budget-friendly changes to rooms with built-in potential, such as a kitchen that just needs a little boost aesthetically.
If you tend to do a lot of entertaining outdoors--such as with barbecues or pool parties--your surrounding property is just as important as the home itself and should be considered carefully. Think about how you can easily break up the space to create “zones” for those who want to play games, relax, or socialize. Measure these areas when touring homes you like so you can plan accordingly for furniture.
Think ahead
If you don’t have many overnight guests but plan on having large gatherings for the holidays, it’s still important to keep your needs in mind for those times when you’re looking at a potential home. Is there ample room for parking, or are there rules for parking on the street that could prevent your guests from being towed? Make sure you understand local city ordinances to avoid major problems down the road.
It’s also important to consider that when hosting for the holidays, you’ll likely need more than just extra spots for sleeping; you might also think about how you’ll give everyone space to spread out during downtime, or those moments when the family isn’t gathered for meals. A covered porch or garage is ideal for those who need to get some air or smoke, while a finished basement will provide a nice space for the kids to play.
Make it timely
One issue many potential homebuyers often have is that they find a local property they love and then have to deal with the stress of another buyer swooping in with an offer. You can make the buying process faster by getting preapproved for a loan.
Once you have your list of qualities you can’t live without, getting preapproved will allow you to figure out how much you can spend so that the buying process will be a smooth one. This makes it easier for you to make an offer so that once you find the perfect home, you can make sure the seller knows you’re serious. Make sure your credit is in great shape before applying for preapproval to make the process even easier.
Buying a home comes with a lot to think about, especially if you plan to have guests over often for parties or family gatherings. It doesn’t have to be a stressful process, however, and starting with a solid plan will help you secure the home of your dreams while ensuring that it’s the perfect spot for all your entertaining needs.
Ready to start the search for your dream home? Contact Lori Millam at Millam Real Estate Group today.
article courtesy of author, Laurie Abner
