7 Signs You’ve Found Your Forever Home is a collaborative post.

When it comes to your lifestyle, few things are more important than your property. What you do in your home determines how you feel most of the time.

So, how do you know if you’ve found a property that’s a keeper?

Here’s my two cents:

The Layout Is Right For Your Lifestyle

First, the layout just seems to make sense for your lifestyle. Often, when you walk into your forever home for the first time, you can feel it is right for you.

For example, it might have a patio area for entertaining friends or a nook for you to go and read on the weekend when you want something to do.

It could also have an open-plan kitchen for parties and food prep. Usually, you know it when you see it.

What you want is to be able to imagine yourself living in the home long-term. It should feel completely natural to you.

It Feels Like Home When You Walk In

Another sign you’ve found your forever home is that it feels like home when you walk in. Usually, when you’re looking around properties, they all feel like someone else’s house. But if you find one that feels right in your gut, it usually means that your brain has done a lot of unconscious processing and has told you that it’s right for you.

Sometimes, the feeling isn’t detailed in any way. Other times, you can see clear visions of how your life would unfold if you were to buy this property.

The Location Checks Your Boxes

Another sign you’ve found your dream home is that the location checks all the boxes. You’re right where you want to be.

For example, you could be close to great schools or hospitals, or near to coffee shops that are easy to access. You could also have found a keeper home if you are in a neighbourhood that ticks all the boxes, with amenities you want.

Figuring this stuff out ahead of time is never easy, which is why it is always a good idea to live in the area where you want to reside long-term, just to check if it’s right for you.

Sometimes, you can find homes for sale that look great and feel like home, but they might be in the wrong place. That’s why it is critical to have a checklist and perhaps rent in the place you want to stay long-term before you put any money down.

It’s Ready To Move In

Another sign you’ve found your dream home is that it’s ready to move in as-is. You don’t want to be spending your time and money trying to sort things out.

Sometimes, forever homes are nearly finished. For example, you might need to clean the yard and apply a coat of paint to them. You might also want to add some minor updates.

However, it shouldn’t be a huge amount of work to turn the place around. Whatever you do should be minimal.

The Outdoor Space Is Somewhere You Can Imagine Spending Time

Another sign you’ve found the right place is that the outdoor space is somewhere you can imagine spending more of your time. After all, a dream home shouldn’t keep you cooped up indoors the whole time.

What you want is a low-maintenance deck or comfortable seating where you can survey your back garden. Pergolas and awnings provide shelter that make it feel more like an extension of your living space.

It’s Within Your Budget

You might also have found your dream home if it is within your budget. The price shouldn’t make your stomach churn.

What you don’t want is to move into a fantastic property, only to discover you can’t afford it. That sort of approach to life is stressful and will actually detract from the property, making it less desirable overall.

Therefore, make sure that your dream house doesn’t consume more than 30% of your income. Keep your expenses as reasonable as you can.

Your Neighbours Seem Friendly

You also want to check that your neighbors are “your type of people.” You should get that vibe from them.

Sometimes, you won’t get a vibe from them if they have different characters and values. Unfortunately, this can happen a lot so it is always worth talking to people about their expectations and what they want from life.

So there you have it: some of the signs you might have found the perfect property for you. Just be careful to ensure your eyes aren’t bigger than your purse.