Buying a home is exciting. Most people have visualized their dream home—large, inviting kitchen; multiple bedrooms for family and guests; perhaps a backyard with built-in Braai, pool, and fireplace. Yet this dream is often out of reach financially for first-time home buyers. These buyers are ready to find a starter home and perhaps are wondering if saving for a forever home makes more financial sense.
Before making this decision, it’s important to consult with a professional financial advisor about your unique situation; more often than not, getting a starter home makes the most sense.
Things to Look For in a Starter Home vs. a Forever Home
As we already mentioned, a starter home probably won’t have all the features you dream about, so it’s important to understand the difference between “want” features and “need” features. For instance, the number of bedrooms might be more critical than the huge, eat-in kitchen. Finding a home near a park for the kids might take precedence over the expansive view of the water.
Focus on affordability and find a home that suits not only your immediate needs but offers the ability to grow in equity. Your starter home should be viewed as a financial tool to build wealth and position you to move up to your forever home. Building wealth through home ownership is a great way to ensure you’ll be able to buy that dream home when you’re ready.
