Things To Look For When Buying A Small Home
Bigger is not always better when it comes to homes. If you're single or part of a childless couple, then living in a smaller home may appeal to you. After all, there are fewer rooms to clean, decorate, and heat! When shopping for small houses, however, it's important to look for a few key features.
Plenty of storage.
In a small home, there is bound to be less space to display decorations and set out everyday items. You don't want the home to feel over-cluttered with stuff, so having plenty of storage is important. Look for spacious closets in the bedrooms, a linen closet, and perhaps a basement or garage where there's room to store items you're not actively using. Some small home designers cut out storage as a way of reducing square footage -- but this is not a great strategy, and you'll typically want to avoid homes that have been built in this manner.
Three bedrooms.
Some small homes have two bedrooms. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, it really is better to buy a home with three small bedrooms than with two larger ones. This is because selling a home with three bedrooms will be much easier when the time comes for you to move. Having three bedrooms will open up the market to families with small children and those who want spare rooms for hobbies and offices. With two bedrooms, you'll have fewer possible buyers and your home will likely remain on the market much longer.
Substantially sized doorways.
Just because the home is smaller does not mean a tiny entryway is okay. You'll have a hard time moving furniture in if the doorway is too small, and this is an inconvenience that will continue to plague you every time you shop for furniture. Look for a home with large patio doors in the back or a double-door front entryway.
Some privacy.
In a small home, it's harder to "get away" from others when you want a little time to yourself. Even if you'll be living alone, you may want a little privacy when you have house guests. So look for a layout that places the bedrooms a bit further from the living room and other common areas.
For more information about shopping for a small home, specifically, talk to a real estate agent in your area. They can help you hone in on your needs and decide which qualities are most important.
