So flattered you asked me Katy! Here are some of the things I look for when shopping for a home:
Location
I consider church, schools, and neighborhood first and foremost, but differently than most. I want our home to be in a location that is convenient enough to our church and kiddos’ school, but our finances have never allowed us to live in the “right” area. I am comfortable living outside of the best parts of town in order to get more house for our money. Of course as the needs of our family change, our priorities will change along with it.
Us Factor
I also want a community that feels like us which obviously is going to be different for everyone. Right now this means a slightly urban location, close to some form of water, and close enough to suburbia that my kids can get out of the city to play. I could be happy in many settings as long as have the us factor going for them.
Character
My home has to have character. Brick walls, wood floors, original mill work, stained glass windows, transome windows, arched ceilings, exposed beams, beautiful staircase, nooks and crannies, SOMETHING in the home has to speak to me. Like most of you, I also have the ability to see past ugly, outdated decorating and envision in my mind’s eye what a home could look like with the right cosmetics. This is crucial in finding those diamond’s in the rough.
If your hubby isn’t handy, I would say be practical. My hubby seriously would rather cut off one of his toes than help me with home projects. There are a lot of things I can do on my own, but some projects just take brawn that I don’t possess. If your hubby is willing to learn, fantastic! If not, be realistic about what projects you’ll be able to take on and what you’ll have to pay out of pocket for contractors to do for you.
Paying others to remodel your kitchen will cost an average of $30,000. Bathrooms can easily cost $7-10,000. If you’re not up to doing major home renovations yourself, make sure the price of the house is low enough to compensate for those expenses.
A MUST is that the house has to have good bones. Your home inspector will be able to tell you the costs of major updates, repairs, etc., but any structural damage from termites, water damage, etc. should send you running unless you’re getting the house and land at a steal.
Many blessings to you Katy and family in your new home. I’m excited to see how you make it your own!
Jeannette says
We bought our two story Victorian about two years 3200 sq feet for $50,000..Tons of rooms and a foyer which I love.I just really hate the location ie the town.It is to small with nothing to do.
Location for me is the most important thing in finding a home.If you don't like the town you will want to move.Where you live will also determine the cost of repairs.
Stacey says
I am so glad to see you say that your husband would rather cut off a toe than help with home projects!!! My husband would likely say the same!!! I thought I was all alone out here! Thanks for the comfort I feel! How do we motivate our men???
Stacey :o)
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/
Stitches by Katy says
Thanks for posting my story, Beth! And thanks to your followers for their well wishes. I can't wait to make it mine :)I'll keep you posted!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Good tips! The yard would be a big deal for us. My mom lives on the side of a cliff (not really, but sort of) and that would not work for my kids…unless they wanted to go into mountain climbing. 😉
Sarah @HarriganHowdy says
Good advice! We're just about to put an offer on a home where we moved a while back, and I'm excited to get into it and start decorating it. However, I'm afraid "character" is not part of the home we're choosing. :/ I guess I'm too much of a yuppy or something! lol. I like my sterile walls windows ceilings & floors.
However, I appreciate the beauty in the homes with character, it just doesn't seem to fit us right now. (Since neither of us have time energy or desire to do any major fixing up.) I still really enjoyed reading your post, it gave me some food for thought.
Blessings!
-Sarah
My name is PJ. says
What an informative post, Beth! Congrats on the new home, Katie!
MIL Wendy says
Good counsel Beth! I wanted a home with character this last go-round too. Instead we ended up with a house in which we put two characters – us!! And a neighborhood full of characters!!
A fun read today !! mil
Marianne@Songbird says
I love that old barn!
And you are a wise woman in many ways….
Miss Mustard Seed says
Ha! I love the picture of that house falling down. That's the kind of home I would peek into while my husband shook his head in the car. "Maybe it can be salvaged? There are some awesome doorknobs in this heap under the second floor!" He tempers me very well.
Great advice, Beth.
Carmen says
Sound advice Beth! You are so sweet!! Congrats to Katy and her hubby on their new home. It definitely is one of the most important decisions people make!
Wendy says
Beth,
What a wonderful post! Great advice!!
Congrats to Katy…looks like a great home with lots of character!
Wendy
Shel at Dreamy Nest says
What a great post, Beth! Great advice – and I love Katy's new house! That pergola is awesome!!
We still haven't gotten our house on the market yet. Found a possible huge issue that we had to call the insurance company in to help with. I don't even want to think about how long that's gonna take.
What about you guys? House on the market yet??
this blessed nest says
there's nothing like that first feeling of owning your own home! congrats katy & family!!! many blessings.
beth, as always such a great post. i love that your main focus & tips were focusing on emotion & feeling of the home & neighborhood. all so important after the boxes are unpacked!
Debbie says
aWESOME post Beth…sound advise here! What a charming home, I love it….congrats Katy and family!~
Lisa@Pickles and Cheese says
That was great advice you gave Katy and Congratulations to her on finding a new home! It's very cute and I'm with you on the Pergola. I LOVE Pergolas. What a fun outdoor space she will have!