Five essential compromises when buying your home

When buying a home, it's essential to understand that compromises are a natural part of the process. No property will ever be perfect, and it's crucial to identify which aspects are non-negotiable, and where you can be more flexible. Therefore, if you're looking for a home in Okehampton or Tavistock, here are a few things to consider.

The size of the home
Determining what size of home you can afford is often a crucial compromise in the home-buying journey. Financial realities often dictate that the home you have been dreaming of as featured in glossy magazines may be out of reach, meaning that you will have to rethink the scale of property you seek. Prioritising rooms that align with your lifestyle – whether a spacious kitchen for the wannabe Masterchef in the family or a dedicated office for remote work – becomes key. And while embracing a smaller property demands a little more ingenuity in maximising every square metre through clever design and multifunctional furniture, it also brings with it the perks of reduced upkeep and energy expenses.

The perfect location
Compromising on the location is a decision that carries significant weight. Your ideal location usually comes at a cost (as its often on the top of most people's lists!), thus pushing you to explore more budget-friendly neighbourhoods that might lack certain desired features or conveniences. The key to navigating this compromise is to identify which aspects of a location are most critical to your lifestyle or will most impact your day to day routine, and thus you’re overall quality of life. This may be the lure of a vibrant community with easy access to shops, and restaurants, or for those who cherish tranquillity and space, the appeal of rural areas might surpass the desire to live in the heart of the city. Understanding what sacrifices you are willing to make regarding your commute, social life, and access to facilities is paramount in finding a location that, whilst not perfect, aligns closely with your vision of what you need from your new home.

The condition of the property
Navigating through a myriad of options when it comes to the condition of a potential home is a balancing act. Some are looking for turn-key and low-maintenance, in which case a property fresh off the construction site, with its pristine walls and untouched surfaces, might be perfect. For others, opting for a residence that bears the marks of time might be the dream – but do you have the budget for the inevitable renovations and repairs which come with an older home?  Equally there are some great bargains to be had if you’re pretty handy and not afraid of employing a little sweat equity. The key is knowing what you’re getting into at the outset, to preserve both finances and sanity!  Engaging a professional to conduct a thorough survey before purchase can illuminate the extent of work required, helping to avoid (or at least plan for) any expenses which might come down the line. This step is crucial in making an informed decision about whether the charm of an older home outweighs the investment needed to bring it up to your standards.

Modern amenities and features
In the search for a new home, the attraction of contemporary amenities can be strong, tempting buyers with visions of smart home systems, sleek, energy-efficient appliances, and luxurious finishes. However, it's key to recognise the difference between the attraction of such features and their practical impact on your day-to-day life. For instance, energy efficiency should perhaps be prioritised for its long-term, cost-saving benefits, whereas the latest kitchen gadgets might take a backseat if you’re more of an ‘I can’t be bothered to cook’ kind of person. Emphasising practicality and future potential over immediate gratification can lead to finding a home that, although it may not tick every box on the modern amenity wish list, still offers a comfortable and enriching living environment.

The ideal garden or outdoor space
The dream of a sprawling, perfectly manicured lawn can be appealing, yet the realities of its upkeep can become extremely time-consuming and overwhelming. Opting for a more compact garden space can present a practical and enjoyable alternative, requiring less time for maintenance whilst still providing a tranquil outdoor retreat. For some, a cosy patio or a modestly sized, easy-to-manage green space might fulfil all their needs, offering a peaceful spot for relaxation or a secure area for children and pets to play. Innovative landscaping solutions can maximise even the smallest of outdoor areas, transforming them into inviting and functional spaces. Ultimately, the compromise on garden size and type should reflect a balance between your aspirations for outdoor living and the practicality of its maintenance, ensuring it enhances your home life rather than becoming a burdensome chore.

You will know
We know that having to make any compromise is not the solution you want in finding your dream home, but entering your home search with the opinion that it doesn’t have to be perfect will allow you to see through a property’s minor flaws and uncover the hidden gem. So will it be the larger home in the more ‘up and coming’ location that you go for, or the one with the great outside space even though the inside is going to need a good deal of elbow grease?  You’re not going to know until you’ve got a feel for what’s out there, but trust us when we tell you that you’ll know it when you see it – we *love* it when we see a buyer have ‘that’ feeling when they walk into a home.  We can’t wait to help you find your (probably not perfect, but still perfect for you) next property here in Devon! 
Did you know that we also offer a ‘Search & Secure’ service to help you track down that (almost) perfect property, even if its not on the market?  This can be a great way to reduce the number of compromises you need to make!  To learn more, or to get started on your property search, give Miller Town & Country a call today on 01837 54080!