While you are shopping for Philadelphia homes, it is a great idea to first write out what you need and want in a home. Even when you know what attribtues you are looking for in a home, as you are searching the hundreds of online lisitngs available in Philadelphia, something may look like it meets your needs in the discription, and the online photos are probably great, but when you get into the home to tour it in person, it may not be the ideal home after all.
It is not uncommon to get to a home and find a weird layout or a funky feature that was listed and described to seem like something else. Such as a five-bedroom home, when the fifth bedroom is actually in the basement or attic, or even a large storage room meant for storage and not a bed, with no windows and not legally allowed to be considered a bedroom. (nor is it safe for someone to inhabit on a regular basis because there are not adequate fire exits.)
How can you determine if a home that seems like it has everything you need and maybe even some things you want will work for you in everyday life? What questions can you ask yourself as a buyer while touring homes to determine if a potential home will fit your lifestyle needs?
What Questions Can You Ask Yourself While Touring Philadelphia Homes to Make Sure It Will Work for Your Lifestyle?
Though it is perfectly legal to purchase a home sight unseen, it is always best to walk through the house in person. The best way to do this is through a private walk-through with your trusted buyer’s agent. While walking through the home, see as much as you can, inspect the home (within respectful reason), and ask yourself some questions while also asking your agent important questions.
A few questions that buyers may not think about asking themselves are how the home will work for them in their lifestyle needs. There are two helpful questions buyers can consider when it comes to a home fitting your lifestyle: how it will fit for the way you see yourself using it.
The Daily Rush Test
Knowing if a home is going to fit your lifestyle requires thinking about your daily life and what your typical day looks like. What do you do every day as soon as you wake up? What does your morning rush to get your day started look like? Do you go on to work from home through the day, and what do you need to be able to do that successfully? What does your after-work/school/errands/daily activities/etc. nightly routine look like?
Imagine yourself going through those motions in this space. Maybe even take the time to pretend you are living a typical day at increased speed to see if the home feels right for your daily life.
The Dinner Party/Entertaining Test
If you are someone who loves to host family and friends for special occasions, for a spontaneous dinner party, for longer overnight stays, for movie nights, backyard gatherings, etc. Make sure you consider these events you are excited to host and how that will work in reality in this space.
How do you enjoy inviting people into your home? How is the home you are looking at going to support this? Again, imagine yourself hosting and walking through the space to determine if you like what the home has to offer; that would enable you to enjoy these things.
If you treasure hosting a dinner party where you can be cooking or preparing tasty items while still interacting with your guests, does the home floor plan support this? Is the kitchen small and separated from the rest of the entertaining spaces, including the dining and living rooms? Some people may like the option of separating guests from their cooking space, while others may want to talk and laugh with their guests while preparing dinner. Whatever your preference, imagine yourself hosting your preferred party and ask if this home helps you to do it.
No home is going to be perfect, but you can find a Philadelphia home that you love with some expert help and some careful considerations.
If you are ready to take the next step in becoming a homeowner, the Victory Real Estate Team is here to help. We are a boutique real estate firm in Philadelphia with a close-knit team of highly experienced local Philadelphia real estate agents.
Victory Real Estate receives high ratings and a high number of five-star raving reviews. Check out this review of Janka Silvova of Victory Real Estate.
“We had 30 days to move with eminent domain, Janka took the time to work with us and our state relocation office, found us the perfect forever home, and helped us find the best lender. She was thorough, professional, and the best realtor we could have asked for. Thank Janka!”
Contact us anytime for any greater Philadelphia real estate needs, both buying and selling primary and investment properties in the city and surrounding suburbs.