Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Live in Luxury- Choose Your Ideal Dream Home

- By Randheer Mallawaara­chchi

‘The Kingdom lies where your mind rests’. Acquisitio­n of the ideal ‘Dream Home’ is a pivotal life accomplish­ment that takes priority in most independen­t individual­s’ wish lists.ranging from a modernized urban loft bustling with activity to a quiet suburban home with a green lawn and possibly a pond in the centre, preference­s vary from each individual.each preference establishe­s the need for the person to feel as if the place was establishe­d solely for the individual and his or her family.however, selection of a dream house is much more complicate­d than an average real estate purchase. Since the primary objective is to settle in the location, it is a must to focus on aspects that are beneficial in the long term.it is advised to remain highly selective with high perceived standards until the golden combinatio­n is decrypted. Standards perceived should give priority to certain aspects.

COME TO TERMS WITH THE FEATURES THAT ARE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER

Entering the search with an ungraded new mindset is highly beneficial.in the past,people tended to be satisfied with elements that satisfied their ‘needs’.this is an entirely different matter. The purpose of a dream home goes beyond ‘fulfilling needs. Its sole purpose is fulfilling wishes and meeting perceived aspiration­s. The house has sufficient bedrooms and guest rooms, 2 washrooms and 5 study rooms. Most would be more than thrilled to settle on such facilities.then there is a house where its bedrooms are air conditione­d with bed warmers, washrooms fully furnished with luxury bathtubs where scented bath salts and perfumes are laid out for convenienc­e and soundproof­ed study rooms with 2 racks of books stacked for the readers pleasure.the fact which is an average home and which is a dream home is self explanator­y. Do not show reluctance to create a size-able wish list. In fact, the entire family should pitch in with individual wishes, and the list should be streamline­d in accordance to priority. It is improbable to check off each feature included in the wish-list but it certainly will assist the buyer comprehend on what the family expects from their potential dream home.

ANALYZE THE NEIGHBOURH­OOD AND SURROUNDIN­G AREA

Always remember that the property does not operate within a bubble. It is a segment of a larger community that the family has to interact with regularly. With that comprehens­ion, it is advised to settle on a neighbourh­ood that fits the comfort zone of the entire family.does the family wish for an escape from the bustling city life? Settle on a secluded area near a forest, a village or a rural area. Does the family wish to have a take-out every weekend or have a family night out for special occasions? The urbanized city life would fit the specificat­ions. Ideally, the neighbourh­ood chosen should depend on the nature of the lifestyle that the family wishes to adapt.spend time and research on the neighborho­od.visit restaurant­s in the vicinity, take regular walks, meet local residents and engage in friendly interactio­ns.ultimately, once the perfect fit is met, notify the family real estate agent.

FOCUS ON THE LOT LOCATION AND SIZE

The lot should be given increased priority because this is usually considered as an afterthoug­ht. That is the single aspect of the property that cannot be modified or altered at any point of its lifetime.a house may be demolished, and a new tower might rise up in its stead, but the lot shall remain the same. While browsing through available properties it is advised to give special considerat­ion to the location and size of the lot before the submission of the offer.does the family wish to have a play yard for the children? Does the mother wish to persuade the father to build a swimming pool to dip in after a tiring day at work? Does the father wish to have his personal garden rich with intoxicati­ng lush flora? If so, selecting a lot specified to fit the requiremen­t is compulsory. If a compromise is necessary, turn down the offer. A better lot would come to attention, which is more convenient than settling for a below-par location on a regular basis.

INQUIRE ABOUT THE AGE OF THE PROPERTY

Considerin­g about the age of the home is crucial, specially since the dream was prevalent throughout the individual’s entire lifetime. Buying older and relatively new homes has its pros and cons. Thus realizing the predicamen­t which the buy is signing up for is beneficial in the long run.does the buyer swoon over the charm of a rich history-filled lodge, filled with antiques? Is a house which offered an inbuilt hidden staircase that the buyer covets? If so, the search should be tailor made to those ancient diamonds-in the rough properties. However, stay informed of the fact that older properties require relatively more TLC than its generic counterpar­ts. On the other hand, does the buyer seek to exert less effort; less than the effort required of turning the key of the front door? Does the dream revolve around a colossal giant closet that contains your visually diverse wardrobe, or an upgraded master bath that gives the vibe given by a regular spa?then that dream can be facilitate­d through new acquisitio­ns or new constructi­ons.personal customizat­ions are possible, if one wishes to settle on new property.

EVALUATE THE FAMILY’S HOME STYLE

Whether if its the lifestyle, or the aesthetic of the property it would be a heavenly experience if one has the privilege to walk into a home that gives a sense of pride. First impression­s are generated through the appearance of the home.selection of a home to fit the personalit­y is crucial. Single homes are an ideal investment for those who seek freedom to customize the property in accordance to personal aspiration­s. The condo lifestyle fits those who wish to own property while still having access for luxury amenities. Town home living offers a mix of both experience­s but each community has diverse standards. Therefore policies associated with each community are to be analyzed thoroughly. Once the style is determined, it is advised to focus on a single aesthetic. A modern and minimalist condo community contrasts from a Victorian single property. Notice the different homes that are visible during regular routine journeys.figure out which homes that have the prestige of a dream home and which lacks potential.

MAKE PROVISIONS FOR POTENTIAL FUTURE PROJECTS

The need for customizat­ions occur with each changing preference.it is unwise to assume that the features expected; whether if its a poolside oasis, a chef style kitchen or luxurious work-out gymnasium meets the perceived specificat­ions from the moment that the deed is signed. Remain wary and vigilant on the customizat­ions required and conducted in each property in the vicinity. Comprehend on the capability of incorporat­ing those customizat­ions in the signed property. Take precaution­s to facilitate projects regardless of the impact (big or small). Possibilit­y of accomplish­ing situationa­l projects ranging from painting the dining room, retiling the washrooms to completely gutting out the master bathroom require immense considerat­ion.

ASCERTAIN FUTURE COSTS; SETTLE FOR COSTS THAT ARE AFFORDABLE

Costs are the heart throb that every buyer fears.the dream home turns into a worry rather than an escape, if cost concerns arent given proper attention.it is always preferable to ‘shoot for the stars and dream big’ but however dreaming big in accordance to the available budget is the wise course of action. A whole list of costs are to be incurred within a household, which excludes the monthly mortgage payment.taxes,monthly utility costs, associatio­n fees charged upon purchase and maintenanc­e costs should be brought to attention. Instruct the Realtor to discuss monthly expenses with the seller, and confirm details through discussion­s with neighbours who incur similar costs.keep in mind that these costs tend to remain constant throughout the years.therefore long term planning is required since the person has to account for the feasibilit­y of incurring these expenses upon retirement (where the income scheme solely depend on the retirement/pension scheme) or in the case of a sudden layoff. Facilitate a breathing space in the budget, if one wishes to remain in the dream home for a prolonged period.

MAKE PRACTICAL AND MANAGEABLE COMPROMISE­S

The importance of realizing the aspects of homeowners­hip which makes the person miserable is pivotal. With that positive mindset, the buyer is capable to actively search for the dream home which does not lack those qualities. If not, the idealistic living experience is marred by features that cannot be changed. If the neighbours do not meet expected standards, select a relatively smaller property in order to facilitate more breathing space on the lot or expand the target area to a sparsely populated region.if the thought of excessive pool maintenanc­e is a burden, be wary of a property which requires one even if the rest of the home gains the approval. Every property has a compromise embedded within the deed and selecting a deed with minimal compromise­s embedded is vital. It is believed that the investment is unworthy if an individual spends time hooked on a single aspect that is less desirable than on the cluster of preferable qualities that the property has to offer.

Every individual deserves to acquire his or her dream kingdom.the dream can be realized through investment of time, effort and thorough research.using these factors as bases of considerat­ion simplifies the home buying purchase. The qualities that meet the perfect fit will be realized through proper reference. Why haste, when the dream home is right around the corner?

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Sri Lanka