A little guide for finding a new home
Can you afford it?
We'll begin with a fundamental question: Can you genuinely afford this home? While it might be challenging to provide a straightforward answer, it's crucial to be honest with yourself. If affording this home would cause financial stress and anxiety, it's advisable to remove it from your shortlist. No dream home is worth jeopardizing your financial well-being.
If you're uncertain about your affordability, it's a good idea to consult with a financial expert. We have partnered with financial service providers who can guide you through the home-buying journey. Mortgage brokers are an excellent initial point of contact, regardless of where you are in the process.
Alternatively, you can explore our range of online calculators. These tools can assist you in determining your borrowing capacity, loan repayments, budgeting, savings plan, and more.
Does the layout meet your needs?
This point cannot be stressed enough: Don't settle for a floorplan that doesn't suit your current and future needs. If you require a dedicated home office, ensure the home includes one. If a second bathroom or a powder room for guests is essential, verify that the house offers these amenities. Perhaps you desire a serene meditation or prayer room—factor that into your considerations. If you have children, having two living areas may be a necessity. And while a home theatre or gaming room might not be essential, if it's your passion, consider it seriously.
Metricon offers a wide selection of floorplans, but if you can't find the perfect one for your requirements, please reach out to us. Our goal is to help you discover a home where you genuinely love where you live.
Is it in a desirable location?
Next, evaluate whether you are content with the home's location, as location plays a pivotal role in finding your dream home. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Safety: Do you feel safe in this area? It's crucial to feel secure in your home, free from constant worry about safety concerns. While you can access crime rates online, trust your instincts when assessing safety.
Growth Potential: Is the home situated in a growing area? This is especially significant if you don't intend to make this your forever home. Fortunately, Metricon's Home and Land Packages are located in some of Australia's fastest-growing regions. To learn more, you can read about Australia's leading growth areas.
Connectivity: In today's world, connectivity is a top concern for many Australians. Adequate road infrastructure, access to public transportation, and reliable internet and mobile network coverage should be on your radar. If any of these aspects are lacking or not set to improve, you might want to explore other options.
Neighbours: Consider the community you'll be part of. Are there people with similar lifestyles and interests? If you have children, you may want to ensure there are other kids in the neighborhood for them to play with. Community often ranks high on people's wish lists when choosing a home.
Is it a sound investment?
Not everyone seeks an immediate return on investment when purchasing their dream home, especially if it's intended for long-term living. However, it's worth considering during your house-hunting journey. While it's impossible to predict future housing market trends, you can make informed decisions about where to buy if capital growth matters to you. You can explore one of our customer's experiences in building an investment portfolio or utilize realestate.com.au's property price estimate and market guide for insights.
Is it conveniently located near amenities?
After evaluating the area, take the time to explore what amenities are nearby. Consider:
Public Transport: The proximity of bus stops, train stations, trams, or ferries can significantly impact your daily life, even if you own a car. Access to public transportation can make your commute smoother and can also be an attractive selling point when you decide to sell your home.
Shops: Having a supermarket, bakery, take-out options, and a quality coffee shop nearby can greatly enhance your convenience and quality of life.
Schools: Even if you don't have children yet, proximity to schools is worth considering for future-proofing your home. Having a school within walking distance can simplify daily routines and ensure your family's educational needs are met.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces: Access to parks, playgrounds, running trails, and outdoor recreation areas can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and enjoyable leisure time.
Health Facilities: Having healthcare providers, hospitals, gyms, and wellness facilities nearby can provide peace of mind and convenience for you and your family's well-being.
You don't need to check all these boxes to find your dream home, but the more amenities that are easily accessible, the more comfortable and enjoyable your daily life is likely to be.
In conclusion...
It's possible that multiple homes meet the criteria for being your dream home. In such cases, personal preference becomes the deciding factor. Which layout do you prefer? Which location appeals to you most? Which aligns better with your budget?
Ultimately, the most critical question is: Can you envision yourself living in and loving this home? There can only be one true dream home.
