How long can you last?
You Need to Make a Plan
And know how long you plan to spend on it.
Another factor to consider when buying a home or considering remodeling one is to determine how long you plan on staying in the home. You don't want to plan any major changes to a home if you aren't going to be in the house more than five years. If you know you are simply buying a starter home to get in the market and plan on moving up to a larger home within five years, be a little more open to your options.
Maybe you don't need to worry about school districts yet. Sure, you are planning on having kids, but if you would really rather be in a larger home when you have them, maybe the school district doesn't matter yet.
The less time you plan on spending in a home, the more open you should be in your "needs" and the less money you should plan on investing in home improvements.
On the other hand, if this is the house you want to spend the rest of your life in, then you need to consider your current and future needs. Look at how convenient and comfortable the house is for mobility. Are the doorways wide enough for a wheelchair or walker? Is there an accessible bathroom on the ground floor? Is there a main entrance into the home that doesn't require steps? If this is your dream house for life, be sure it is a home that can be lived in for life. Many homes are designed for a young, fit, tall male.
Unfortunately, this description doesn't fit the majority of the population and it doesn't fit anyone for a lifetime. Consider this when buying your home.
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