They say that people are starting to look for homes that will be their forever homes instead of a typical “starter” home. This topic got us to thinking about what elements in a home would make it a viable option as a forever home. After considering possible current and future needs, here are ten components a real forever home should have.

 

  1. Location – You may be single or a couple at the beginning of your homeownership journey, but your needs will change as your life advances; however, the location will never change. If you start in an area with great schools, a good neighborhood, a large lot, close to amenities, then your investment should be a solid one. Some of these factors could change over time, but hopefully, not all of them.
  2. Home repairs – Make sure the home you’re investing in has been well maintained, and the significant expenses have not been neglected. If you buy a fixer-upper, then you must take into account the costs that will come with that on top of your mortgage payment.
  3. Additional square footage – Workable square footage that would allow for the house to grow with the size of the family. Maybe you could add on if necessary or perhaps, an office could be converted to a nursery or bedroom.
  4. An adequate number of bathrooms – Bathrooms can be a costly addition if you have to add them later. You might ask yourself if the home has enough bathrooms to accommodate a growing family.
  5. Storage space – With a growing family comes the need for storage space. Do you have either an attic, basement, or an outside building for additional storage needs?
  6. Single floor living – If you are considering a home that will take care of your needs well into your senior years, then you might want to consider a one-level floorplan.
  7. First-floor master bedroom suite – Maybe a single floor level is not attractive to you; then, there are other options such as a first-floor master suite and perhaps being able to close off the 2nd floor when not in use.
  8. Easy access to the second floor – Although this isn’t ideal, it is yet another option and that would be a future chair lift if the stairway would allow for one.
  9. Open layout – A layout that has an open floor would accommodate a growing family as well as the needs of someone who might require a wheelchair or walker or some other sort of assistance at some point in their lives.
  10. Classic over trendy design – When decorating, you might wish to lean towards classic design elements over trendy. What’s in today could be very out of style in 5 or 10 years.

 

So there you have our 10 components a real forever home should have. If you are in the market to purchase a home in the Fort Mill - Tega Cay or surrounding areas, please let the Linda Hall Team assist you. We can narrow down the homes that will fit your specific criteria by learning what your present and future needs are.