Owning your own home is one of the most significant life achievements for many people. Especially popular among Bulgarian is the understanding that property ownership means a certain security and status, conditions the successes so far and is a prerequisite for creating new goals and starting work on their realization. Whether you prefer a small, comfortable apartment on a quiet street, or a luxurious, large house in the suburbs, your home will be your refuge for years to come.
When you come to the idea of buying a property, with it comes the list of considerations and requirements that you compile before the final signing of the contract. Depending on the stage of life you are in at the moment, your interests and hobbies, your personal and professional commitments, the presence of a partner and his own needs, you will choose the things you will pay attention to in your search for a family home. Don't compromise, just think in advance about the factors that will make you happy in the long run living in your new home. We share with you some of the most common conventions that Unique Estates consultants have come across in their practice.
Location, location, location... In the world of real estate, everything revolves around it - probably forever. But why is location so important? Because that's the one thing you can't change. You can tear the house down to the ground and build it anew, you can put up a new wall in the living room, you can decorate according to feng shui, you can build a pool or barbecue in the yard where your already grown teenager's swing used to be. But the property will remain where it has always been. You may no longer be in the same job and the route to your new place may be different, your children may go to a different school, but location is still key. It is important to think about public transport in case you need to use it. Essential communications are also banks and pharmacies, the presence of a park environment for walking and sports is highly recommended. And why not restaurants and shops where you can relax and spend leisurely weekends? When choosing a property, don't forget to get all the information about the neighborhood - whether it is calm and safe, what age are the majority of the residents, whether it is suitable for children, whether the infrastructure is good, whether the neighbors are well-intentioned. After all, you are going to live there every day, probably for many years, and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere, so the location is not to be neglected.
We come to the next question related to the size of the property. If you compromise and get a home that is smaller than your original desires, you will probably often wonder how to configure the place, rearrange to make more space and be as functional as possible. If you buy a home that is bigger than you need, you may start wanting to fill that space so it doesn't look empty, and this will lead to higher costs. If you want to know exactly how big home you need, evaluate it against the property you currently live in. You are a fashionista and need a large wardrobe and space for your shoes; or you've recently been working from home, but you can't concentrate, so you want to set aside an office for yourself. You emphasize taking care of your body, but you don't always feel like traveling to the gym to work out; you are a collector of antiques with nowhere to store them; or you want to expand your family and need another bedroom. These are all factors to consider regarding the size and type of home. Having a pet also plays a role. Or a small child who needs to be closely watched - stairs in a maisonette are probably not the best solution. Think about what your dreams and aspirations are in the next 5-10 years and plan your home accordingly. Of course, changes are always possible, and there's nothing wrong with that, but as a start it's a good idea to figure out how much space you need to live comfortably and how you're going to use the space you have.
When starting the search for a new home, you should first look at your savings and determine a specific approximate budget - between the minimum and the maximum you can afford. Of course, it is indicative because the real estate market is dynamic, the prices of materials and furnishings vary, there are side contingencies such as inflation and others. But still, you need to step on a foundation to know what to expect. You should review the property listings and familiarize yourself with the market – whether your budget covers what you envisioned. If not, could you expand it? If you do not have the necessary funds, how could you get them - can you take out a loan? If you don't want to do it, can you compromise and let go of something that was previously in your plan? For convenience, you can ask your realtor if they have information from the sellers about their monthly utility costs, maintenance fees, etc. It is best to trust a professional who can give a correct and objective assessment of the property. For your convenience and peace of mind, leave some room in your budget for contingencies. Agree on a certain reasonable price and search for the home that meets your requirements.
For each person, the needs are of a different nature. Some culinary enthusiasts will need a large kitchen with equipment and a spacious dining room for their guests. Others prefer to practice yoga on their veranda, which is thermally insulated and specially adapted for it. For others, it is important to wake up with the first rays of the sun and enjoy a beautiful view with a cup of coffee in hand. Some people like the vintage interior, while others like the minimalist Scandinavian. For some, it is important to have a large garage for their two cars, and for others, a spacious yard where they can gather with friends. Whatever your needs, be sure your new home will provide the amenities you need. Thus, you will be sure that you have made the right decision and you will always live peacefully and harmoniously in it.