Buying a new home is exciting but not always easy. It’s a journey that requires careful consideration of financial factors while also listening to your heart’s desires. What do you do when your head wants one thing and your heart another? We have some ideas.
What’s Important
Before you start looking at homes, decide what is important to you. What are your must-have features? These could include location, number of bedrooms, an island kitchen or a large backyard. Be realistic. Once you have identified your priorities, you’ll have a clear framework to guide your decision-making process.
Make a Wish
Once you know what you need, it’s time to figure out what you want. Do you want to live in a master-planned community like Sunterra? Have you always wanted a media room? Having this list allows you to balance practicality with the emotional aspect of finding a home you love.
Do Some Research
Get an overall idea of how much your perfect home will cost. Research the housing market, neighborhoods and property values. Consider the schools, community amenities, HOA fees and the vibe you are looking for. A well-informed decision is more likely to satisfy both your head and heart.
Set a Budget
By this point, you probably know what you need and want. Now it’s time to see what you can afford. Look at your income, existing debts and future financial goals. You want to be able to live comfortably and that includes ensuring your mortgage is something you can pay month after month.
Talk to a Realtor
Enlist the help of a qualified real estate agent. They can provide valuable insights, data-driven advice and a neutral perspective. They can also help you separate your emotional wants with your practical needs.
Use Your Imagination
If you are planning to purchase a home in Sunterra, you will be touring our gorgeous model homes. As you explore them, picture yourself waking up, cooking meals and spending time with loved ones. If the home feels right, spend time talking to the builder representative about what in the home is standard and what is an upgrade so you can factor that into your budget.
Make Compromises
Try to strike a balance between your needs and wants. No matter how much you may want that media room, if it’s a structural option you can’t afford, let it go. If it truly is a priority, see if there is something else you can give up.
Sleep on It
It’s easy to get excited if you find “the one.” But is it really? Take some time to sleep on your decision. This cooling-off period allows you to reflect on the practical aspects and emotional appeal of the home before making an offer.
Visit Sunterra
Another way to get balance your head and heart is to visit Sunterra. Our family of builders are experts at crafting homes that are beautiful and fit your budget. Take a tour today.
