LIVE 24-SEVEN - PROPERTY GUIDE
JONATHAN HANDFORD THE PERFECT MATCH
With Valentine’s Day coming up, our thoughts turn to celebrating with our nearest and dearest. Jonathan Handford, from Fine & Country Leamington Spa, offers tips on how to find your perfect property match.
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Naturally, one of the biggest considerations is how the property fits your lifestyle. Think about the things you are willing to compromise on and what your deal-breakers are. Is the property the right size for you to enjoy? There’s no point having a large country estate if you can’t take care of it. What works for you now, but will also work for you long-term? Will you still be enamoured with this property a year from now, or five years from now? Are you planning a family or considering a pet? If you don’t buy a home that is future-proofed, you’ll end up having to move more frequently.
Make sure you distinguish between what is superficial and what is fundamental. There are things that can be changed, like the colour scheme and fittings, and there are things that can’t, like the narrow corridor leading to the bathroom. Look for ways of developing the property over time and this will aid in its longevity.
Valentine’s Day is a time to be thankful for the love in our lives, but there are many still hoping to find that soul mate. Just like the search for “the one” person to complete your life, finding the right property for you is full of challenges. You’ll go through ups and downs, you’ll think you’ve found the right one and be devastated when you find the fatal flaw, and you’ll probably go on a few bad dates along the way. There are a number of things to consider to ensure you don’t end up heartbroken.
Look for the little things as well. Are you a fitness enthusiast who needs access to a gym? Check the neighbourhood amenities. Are you a techno addict? Switch on your mobile phone and make sure there’s a signal in the house – you don’t want to live in a communication blackout. All of these lifestyle considerations, from small to large, are important in finding a match.
It’s also important to think about how your new love is going to fit with the rest of your life. Work tends to take up a lot of our time and we all want to limit commuting difficulties. Take a look at transport links nearby to see how you can access your work and your favourite weekend spots. If you are a frequent flyer, consider access to airports.
It’s important for the property to fit in with you, and also your family, as you grow together. Look for expansion opportunities within the property – perhaps a loft or a sunroom. Is there a play space for your children now, and are there recreational activities nearby for kids of all ages? Find out about schools in the area and see whether your teenagers will have a degree of independence. It’s not just you that has to like your home.
Finally, as with any relationship, don’t leap in too fast. You may think its love, but have you met the neighbourhood? A perfect property needs to have the right attributes and the right surroundings, so make sure you research the area thoroughly – not just the house. Visit during daylight hours and after dark to see how safe it feels, go shopping at the local stores, meet the locals and do some online research. If everything checks out, you’ll know you’ve found the perfect match.
FINE & COUNTRY For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Fine & Country Leamington Spa on 01926 455950 or vist
www. f ineandcount r y. com / 90
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