Huge, Tiny or Somewhere in Between- Choosing the Ideal Size Home

Size matters, especially when buying a new home. The number of household members is only one of the factors that buyers must take into consideration when choosing a home that is the ideal size. Lifestyle preferences should also be considered, as larger homes can require more upkeep thus demanding more time and more money. Costs can also increase when it comes to utilities, alarm systems, furnishing and cleaning. But family members tend to want their own retreats, and square footage is how to give them what they want. So with a whole host of factors involved, how can a buyer decide which property is the right size?

One of the major pitfalls buyers can make when determining what size home to buy is to look only at their current situation. A young couple can easily become a family of four in just a few years, while a family of six can dwindle down to two empty nesters in that same period. Take the time to seriously ponder what your next several years may hold and what type of housing you may anticipate needing before deciding what size home could work best. Remember that many homes today offer something called flex-space, areas that can be utilized for multiple purposes. Such use of space can be great for buyers unsure of where the future may lead.

Another resource is to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent. These professionals can look at your situation and help you come up with a size home that can not only meet your current needs but meet your needs for years to come.