Buying a forever home is much different from buying your first starter home because . . . well, because you will live there much longer, probably for the rest of your life. So when selecting your forever home, you simply have to choose wisely. Otherwise, you could wind up living – for many, many years – in a home that doesn’t suit your needs and doesn’t really make you happy. To help you choose wisely, then, here are 3 things to consider when buying your forever home in Santa Cruz.
1. Personal Readiness
Before buying your forever home in Santa Cruz, before you even begin looking at potential properties, you first need to make sure you’re ready to take that step.
First, this means truly understanding what it means to own and maintain a home. If you began your homeownership journey in a starter home, then you’re probably prepared on this front. You will have the basics of home ownership down and will be ready to move on to a forever home, which will require even more commitment and responsibility because it will probably be larger and you will live there much longer.
Most important is that you be honest with yourself when determining your readiness to buy and move into a forever home. Will you be able and willing to handle the increased upkeep? Do you have the time, skills, and money to take on even more home ownership responsibilities?
Also, you should carefully consider what your life will look like in 10 to 20 years. Experts say that it makes sense to buy a home only if you plan to live in it for at least five years. But that length of stay is even longer for a forever home.
Forever homes are typically larger and more expansive than starter homes. And that means you will need to live in a forever home much longer in order to break even on the purchase price. So think about your plans, your employment outlook, and how you see yourself and your life several years down the road.
2. Location and Potential for Expansion/Extension
Location is an important consideration for any home, but it’s even more important for buying a forever home in Santa Cruz. You need to find the right location – one that will meet the needs of you and everyone else in your household.
Make sure, then, to do plenty of research about the neighborhood and the surrounding area. Look into, for example, the quality of the local schools, the proximity of amenities like shopping areas and parks, and the transportation/commute outlook. Is there accessible public transportation if you need it? Or if you drive, are there major arteries to get you where you need to go, say, to work, to shopping spots, or to the doctor?
Another important aspect of the location to consider is the potential for expansion/extension of the home. Most families grow over time, whether through having more children or taking in elderly relatives. Will you be able to expand the home, and will it increase the home’s value?
The location and neighborhood of your forever Santa Cruz home play a crucial role in your overall lifestyle and satisfaction. Consider the following points:
- Proximity to amenities: Evaluate the accessibility of essential amenities such as grocery stores, schools, healthcare facilities, parks, and recreational areas. Ensure that the neighborhood provides convenient access to the services and facilities that are important to you.
- Commute and transportation: If you work or frequently travel, consider the commuting distance and transportation options available. Evaluate the proximity to major highways, public transportation, and airports to ensure convenience.
- Community and lifestyle: Research the neighborhood’s character and community dynamics. Consider factors such as safety, community engagement, recreational opportunities, and the presence of like-minded individuals who share your values and interests.
When buying a forever home, it’s crucial to assess the Santa Cruz property itself and its suitability for your long-term needs. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Size and layout: Determine if the property offers adequate space for your current and future needs. Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, storage space, and overall square footage.
- Long-term accessibility: Assess the property’s accessibility, especially if you plan to age in place. Consider factors such as stairs, entryways, doorways, and the potential for future modifications to accommodate mobility needs.
- Outdoor space: Evaluate the availability of outdoor space, such as a backyard or garden, which can enhance your quality of life and provide opportunities for relaxation, recreation, or gardening.
Be sure, then, to look into whether a possible forever home can legally be expanded and/or the property extended. Zoning laws and municipal codes are a critical consideration there. If not sure how to find out what you need to know in this respect, you should consult a Santa Cruz agent. To find out more, just call 831-588-2334.
3. The Interior and Value-Space Possibilities
Certainly, the square footage of your forever home will be a concern, but there’s more to take into account with respect to the interior of the home.
You should, for example, consider the layout – the size and placement of the rooms primarily. Would an open floor plan suit you best? Or would you rather have several smaller rooms? But also consider the quality of the fixtures and fittings. Will you have to replace those to get the home the way you want it? And pay particular attention to the kitchen because, for most people, it will be the heart of the home.
Another important consideration with regard to the interior is whether you will be able to create what are called “spaces of value” for you and your family. These are things such as a dedicated remote work area, a suitable place for relaxation and recreation, or desirable outdoor living spaces.
There’s one thing we’ve learned since the advent of COVID, and that is many people need a dedicated work area at home. Will your prospective forever home allow you to create such a space without sacrificing needed living areas?
The Most Important Step Toward a Forever Home
You really do need to consider carefully when choosing that final home where you’ll live out the rest of your years. It should suit you and your family and your lifestyles in as many ways as possible. It’s important, then, that you work closely with an experienced, local Santa Cruz agent to find the perfect home. So when you’re ready to buy your forever home in Santa Cruz, be sure to contact us at 831-588-2334.
I’m Shemeika Fox, your Santa Cruz real estate expert and your personalized real estate concierge! Reach out to me for a complimentary and confidential consultation TODAY!
