The idea of a married life remains a mystery until you’ve finally tied the knot. It feels triumphant, but at the same time, overwhelming with all the large-scale changes and adjustments. And if you and your partner are thinking of moving into a new home, you’ll need to face the homebuying process, too.
A lot of “firsts” are bound to transpire in the first year of your marriage. But ultimately, buying your new home is the most exciting one. While it can also be a complicated task, the following tips will help you gain confidence throughout the buying journey.
The First Three Months Together
Your new home will play an important role in building your family’s financial stability. Dedicate the first three months to learning, so you can avoid rushing blindly into the market.
Set Realistic Expectations
From the onset, know what each of you wants in a home, both individually and as a couple. Create a list of “must-haves” or think of the home features you want and rank them by priority. It also helps to ask the question “how big do I expect my family to be?” so you can narrow down your options.
Settle Your Budget
Being realistic doesn’t mean settling for the most affordable property. Consider the money you have saved up, and remember: the bigger it is, the more home options you’ll have. Learn what you can afford as a couple per month, assess your monthly spending habits, and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
Learn About the Real Estate Market
Buying your first family home is one of the best long-term investments you can make. It can appreciate in price and offer multiple ways to earn passive income, depending on the location and other factors.
In the real estate realm, condo properties are among the safest options available, as many of them are found in exceptionally convenient neighborhoods. Take Suntrust Shanata, for example, a condominium in Quezon City with easy access to universities, hospitals, business centers, and lifestyle hubs.
Despite its location in a buzzing city, it offers a serene feel through its landscaped open spaces and host of amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, function hall, and play court. The name Shanta was derived from a Sanskrit word that means tranquility, which aptly fits the condo’s relaxed atmosphere.
The Next Three Months as a Couple
Yes, impulsive home buying can happen, but you have the next three months to avoid this trap.
Shop Around
As you do your home search, compare and contrast your options. How do they stack up against each other in terms of size, price, and location? Do they meet your realistic expectations as a couple? Note that it’s also crucial to buy for function. The early stage of your married life is full of changes, so it makes sense to have a home that remains flexible when faced with uncertainties.
Don’t be afraid to take the whole three months to shop around. The idea is to find the best deal for your money. And while you’re at it, look out for common financial documents required by developers or brokers so you can prepare them early.
The Next Six Months of Your Marriage
Enthusiasm and disagreements could arise over the next six months of your first married life and home purchase. Use this time to understand each other and come out of the process stronger.
Conduct Site Visits
A neighborhood visit will allow you to get a feel of the home environment. Is it quiet enough for you and your partner should you choose to work from home? Or if one of you prefers to stay in the office, how would the commute be?
A visit to the site can also help you get a better picture of your new life in a new home. You get to see the amenities and building features, which are crucial in ensuring the well-being and safety of your family. If physical site visits aren’t possible, watching virtual home tours would be a good alternative.
Get Ready to Compromise with Your Partner
Other considerations or new preferences may come along the way. Maybe your partner prefers to live in the suburbs, but you want a city home. Or, you want a compact, easy-to-maintain space, but your partner needs a place for a home office. Determine the “needs” and compromise on the “wants” until you agree on the final choice.
However, you should know that options allowing for fewer compromises do exist. For example, Suntrust Shanata, a 12-cluster, low-rise condo community, offers a blend of suburban and urban living. It provides more space and more freedom to move around so you won’t feel cramped in the city.
Suntrust Shanata also has units with efficient floor layouts, accommodating newlyweds’ varying needs and future goals. There are studio units for career-driven young couples, two-bedroom residences for those who need extra space, and three-bedroom units for growing families.
When you’re ready to make a huge purchase as a couple, the key is to get as much information and be honest with each other from the get-go. More importantly, include in your options master-planned communities like Suntrust Shanata for a balanced home buying decision.
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Published first in Lamudi
