Homebuyer Tips: Agreeing with your Spouse on the Perfect House
Buying a new home should be an exciting process but sometimes it is a process where you realize that you and your spouse cannot agree on anything. Looking for the perfect home with someone that has different tastes or priorities can slow down the process and make every home you look potentially a disappointment. Here are a few tips to help find the perfect home for you and your spouse, even if you can’t agree on every little thing.
The NON-NEGOTIABLES and the MUST-HAVES…make the lists!
Some things are non-negotiable, such as price or neighborhood and most times these are things couples can agree on more easily. Determining now how much money you are comfortable with spending (and can get approved for) or that you only want to buy in a certain area, helps you both to get on the same page from the start. You can always sit down to write it out and agree on a maximum budget before even seeing any homes.
When doing this, you may realize not only that you are on the same page with spending, but that when looking at neighborhoods- you both agree that you want a certain area for the family. Determining factors like amenities, schools, and even work commute can help you both agree on where you want to look.
Make those lists but instead of one joint list, each of you make your own list. You and your spouse should both write out your 10 must-haves for your new home. If you have more than 10 items, narrow it down so that you focus on the highest priorities. The kitchen island may be very important to one spouse while the other really wants a jetted tub.
Once you both have your lists made, highlight any items that are matching. You might be surprised to find you have several matching. Those should be the items you focus on as joint must-haves when selecting a home. All non-matching items on your list then need to be rated if you agree to either a must-have, too, or just a would be nice to have but can live without. This will allow you to narrow down your search and save time when looking for the perfect home.
Compromising is sometimes necessary!
When you and your spouse have two conflicting must-haves on your list, talk through them. Listen to why they want a certain item and share your feelings about why you do not want the item. For example, if your spouse wants to live close to the city so the commute to work is shorter, but you don’t want to be close to the city for safety reasons, you should both present your side of the argument respectfully. Figure out if there are any other pros or cons to the situation. For example, perhaps living closer to the city also means more traffic and higher home sale prices.
Potential can be huge!
When you are finally ready to look at homes there may not be one single home will check everything off of all lists or as what you would consider to be close to your dream home. Or maybe there is one that meets everything but it is out of your budget. This is when it is important to keep that open mind and look at the potential of each home.
If you or your spouse have items like plantation shutters or granite countertops on your list, realize that these features can be added to almost any home. Gaining a HGTV-worthy bathroom or a backyard with an extended patio to entertain on are also things that can be done with additional funds after you purchase a home. However, wish list items like a two-story home, nice neighborhood, or three-car garage are harder (sometimes impossible) and definitely costs more to add after you buy a home so keep in mind which of your wish list items can be more easily added later to make each home match your dream home.
It is also important to realize that many homes just need quick cosmetic changes to become desirable to meet all that you want in your new home. You have to look past poor paint color choices, neglected yards, gross flooring options, and clutter when viewing homes. You are purchasing the home- not the clutter. Sometimes making these changes in your own way even makes the house more of exactly what you want.
We know that sometimes searching for a home while fun can also be exhausting, but don’t let it also stress your marriage. Communication through this process is key and if all else fails- ask for outsiders, like family or friends, to help you narrow down your choices. With the Marr Team on your side, we will help you every step of the way and assist you in focusing on your dream home wish list and home potential. Remember- knowledge and experience are not expensive, they are priceless!