What’s Important to You in Your Lifestyle?
There are a host of factors buyers consider when choosing a particular home in the Carlsbad CA area. Requirements vary, of course, from person to person and may be very specific or fairly general. Some have a huge list of wants and needs, while others do not.
It’s easy to become so focused on particular requirements in a home search, or perhaps things that are desired, that buyers don’t always consider the overall picture…the lifestyle they currently enjoy and wish to continue, or perhaps a lifestyle they are seeking, which can, of course include features of the house as well and the neighborhood and larger community.
The features of a home, style, size (e.g., number of bedrooms and baths), and yard are often important to buyers, within the budget of course, and the things they look for when searching on-line. Lifestyle features of the property that might be important could include an open floor plan, 1 or more offices for working at home, a pool, an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area (or room for one), a 3-car garage for extra toys and storage, a large fenced-in yard, or perhaps a small guest house or casita.
Searching for the other elements of the lifestyle that are desired can be more complicated, and won’t necessarily come just from the MLS listing.
Lifestyle, of course, is very personal and means various things to different people, and of course can shift over time as circumstances change.
Access and proximity to services (banking, dentist, medical facilities, dry cleaners, and grocery stores), shopping, plentiful dining options, the beach or mountains, recreation (golf, hiking, surfing, tennis, hiking), fitness facilities, movie theaters, and good schools are just some of the components of the lifestyle buyers may be seeking in the Carlsbad area.
Some want to be very close to certain amenities, perhaps even by bike or on foot, while a 10 - 15 minute drive may be acceptable to others.
Buyers often are concerned about commuting to work, whether on the freeways, via train or other secondary roads, and understanding proximity to commuting routes, traffic, and other issues can be important. What kind of lifestyle is it if you are spending many hours commutint?
Nearby noise, traffic congestion, and certain types of views (mountains, greenbelts, golf course, ocean, lagoon) also may factor in to the type of lifestyle buyers are seeking to enjoy, or in some cases avoid.
When I start working with buyers it’s essential to understand what it is that they are looking for. I always ask lifestyle questions, especially if these sorts of things are not volunteered up front.
Some people have a very clear idea of what defines their lifestyle, but for others it’s a bit murky or it might be changing (perhaps a growing family or one that is shrinking multigenerational needs, or shifting medical needs).
And lifestyle issues can be more complex for those moving to Southern California from other areas, where changes can be dramatic in the new location compared to the former home (having moved here from New England 11 years ago I know this all too well). Plus it will take time to adjust to that new lifestyle.
Generally I find that people do have some sense of what they are seeking, or at least the things that are particularly important (e.g., pool, beaches, outdoor living, golf), but sometimes prioritizing, or deciding what you are willing to give up, or not, is a challenge.
Some years ago I developed 2 questionnaires for home buyers to aid them in clarifying these issues, and to help me better assist them in their home search.
The first focuses more specifically on features of the home: “What’s Important to You in Your Home Search?” I’ve found this helps buyers sort through requirements that are important to them, versus "wants" that really may not be so critical.
I sometimes find when there is more than one person involved that not everyone agrees on key requirements, which is important to know, and for them to sort through before they can effectively search for new home.
The second, my “Lifestyle Questionnaire,” focuses on clarifying the elements of the buyers’ lifestyle, and can help them think through some of the key lifestyle issues that matter most to them. And naturally that’s important for me to know as well.
When searching for a new home, consider very carefully the lifestyle that you hope to have, whether it’s something new and different or you are seeking to preserve your current lifestyle but in a new location. Realize that things may not all fit together in one neat package, and as with features of a home there are likely to be some tradeoffs. And of course budget can play a key role, both in terms of what you can buy and where, but in allowing discretionary funds to enjoy that precious lifestyle!
If I can help you sort through this process and focus on the key things that matter to you, why not give me a call at (760) 840-1360. Having been through several major relocations and living in different environments I can help you sort through the right questions and issues to consider.
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