The Most Important Question for home buyers to answer
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love good design and appreciate a space that reflects my style to establish a home that is both structured and calming. For those of us frequently scanning images of designer spaces on Pinterest, Instagram or the pages of magazines, we are often glossing over the most critical criteria for building and living the life we aspire to – because it can’t as easily be captured in photographs.
Thinking back on all the places I’ve lived and the many moves I’ve made, I’ve discovered that I romanticize past homes in unexpected ways. Despite the often small, dated or imperfect spaces I’ve chosen to make my own through various life stages, absent of swoon-worthy modern kitchens, noteworthy architecture, or breathtaking views, my nostalgia stems from how each place has supported me through a specific life stage. That’s why I believe it’s important to look beyond the most obvious home attributes you’re swooning over now, and consider the ones your future self will value most.
Our homes should offer the foundation of a rich life, but don’t be fooled by others’ images. The makings of a truly rich life are available to all of us in one form or another. They will vary slightly from person to person but usually come down to meaningful relationships, opportunities to learn and grow, a sense of support and optimism. For me, the nostalgia of past homes, where more often than not I had ‘just enough’ square footage, is tied more to how I aligned my lifestyle around the ability to make bold career moves, build relationships, and engage in energizing and enriching activities. These spaces supported me in embracing new challenges and fostering connections around shared values and priorities.
How do you evaluate these intangibles in a new home you may wonder? I’m proposing you start by answering one critical question for yourself, and your household members, before starting your search:
HOW WILL MY HOME SUPPORT GROWTH?
Here are a few factors to consider in support of growth:
Stability & structure – Housing is no doubt one of our largest expenses, and real estate investments offer the greatest potential returns over time. So it’s beneficial to prioritize a space and budget that can evolve with us. What do we need in the present and what flexibility do we need for the future? For instance, will it accommodate a budding family, support our personal or professional pursuits, even income potential or ease of resale.
Upkeep – For places new or old, give consideration upfront to the time and attention you want to allocate to maintenance. “Pride of ownership” captures a meticulousness of care that’s reflected back at us through our space and impacts how we feel about keeping up with all our responsibilities in life.
People – Those we share a roof with and those we consider our neighbours, the people we interact with most frequently, help uplift us through daily life. Give consideration to when, where and how we will build and nurture our community and support our household members’ growth.
Nearby Amenities – Smaller spaces can be offset by shared amenities rooms. In large, private homes, access to social clubs may be complementary. Here in Kelowna, you can find communities of houses with shared swimming pools, tennis courts, art studios, golf course access and wood working workshops. Shared space can be a resourceful answer to meeting our needs.
Regardless of size, homes that are curated thoughtfully, maintained well, and bring out the best in the people we love will deliver the most satisfaction. Really, I find I can get excited by the potential of any space that is aligned with a vision for the future that excites me, motivates me to put in the work to nurture what I have and what I’m building, and supports me in living a life of purpose alongside those I love.
Orienting ourselves around a clear vision for the future, and the ability to discern what feels good to us, has to be the foundation for a home. More than that clutter-free stone countertop, pretty powder room vignette, or perfectly puffed pillows, the places that support our growth are the ones we will cherish most. As much as I love and appreciate all these things, I never want to lose sight of the fact that these are finishing touches – details we can find joy in using once we’ve laid a strong foundation for a healthy and supportive environment where people will thrive.
Once you’ve found that space, we’re here to help you make the most of it, from layout and organizing to refinishing and furnishing!
