There’s one massive issue that so many homeowners have nowadays, and that's only thinking about the next owner. Sure, when you’re doing maintenance, you should be thinking about the long-term of the house, but that should also include you and your use of the house. It shouldn’t be about the next person. Have you noticed that a lot of houses are starting to look the same? Have you noticed the whole sad beige aesthetic happening in so many new homes being sold on Zillow?
Well, that’s a problem; architectural features from older houses are being stripped in the name “for the next homebuyer.” But what about you? What about your wants? When you’re doing cabinet re-finishing for your kitchen, you shouldn’t think about what the next homebuyer might want or what’s trending because, guess what, you live there currently, not them! So, with all of that said, here’s why you need to focus on the happiness of living in your home and not the future home buyer.
Your House, Your Sanctuary
Your house is more than just a financial asset—it’s your sanctuary. It’s where you relax after a long day, make memories with your loved ones, and find comfort. Focusing too much on future buyers can make your living space feel like a constant work in progress, never truly reflecting your personality and needs. Instead, think about what makes you happy and comfortable right now.
Whether it’s painting a wall your favorite color, creating a cozy reading nook, or starting a garden, these personal touches turn a house into a home. So, who cares what future homebuyers want? It’s not their house, it's yours!
It’s About Personalizing Your Space
When you focus solely on increasing property value, you might find yourself making generic, safe choices that appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. Sure, there’s no doubt about it that this can be beneficial in the long term, it can also mean sacrificing your own tastes and preferences.
You literally bought this house, it should feel like it’s actually your house! Besides, personalizing your space with elements that resonate with you can significantly enhance your daily living experience. Maybe it’s a bold wallpaper in the dining room, a custom-built bookshelf for your favorite novels, or a quirky piece of furniture that makes you smile every time you see it. Basically, it’s your house so you should treated as such.
It’s About Enjoying the Present
So just give this some thought for a more; living in a home that’s constantly geared towards someone else’s future can prevent you from fully enjoying the present. It’s important to create a space where you feel comfortable and content. After all, you’re the one living there now. Small improvements that cater to your lifestyle—like a home office setup that boosts productivity, a comfortable guest room for visiting friends, or an upgraded kitchen that makes cooking a joy—can significantly improve your quality of life.
It's your present, so enjoy the present now rather than thinking about the future. This is meant to be your forever home, so you really need to treat it like one.
Emotional Value of a Home
It’s understandable why a lot of people think about the future homebuyer because it’s all about the future and making a profit on what’s meant to be an investment. So, by all means, that makes perfect sense. However, with that said, you’ll still need to think about the future itself. While financial value is important, the emotional value of a home is priceless.
A house filled with your personal touches can provide a sense of stability and belonging. It can be a place where you feel truly at ease, surrounded by items and designs that reflect your life and journey. This emotional connection to your home can bring immense satisfaction and well-being- emotional value is important, too. How are you going to be comfortable in a space you’re trying to cater to someone else, a total stranger?
Balance is Key
It’s not about completely disregarding the future resale value but finding a balance. You can pretty much still have your cake and eat it, too. Alright, so that might sound a bit odd, but it’s really about finding some balance here. So, just by making choices that suit your current lifestyle while keeping an eye on the broader market trends, you can enjoy your home today and still be mindful of its future.
For instance, updating your kitchen with features you love can also be a great selling point later on. The key is not to let potential future buyers dictate every decision you make. Besides, housing trends change, especially nowadays, so if you were to renovate, like an open plan, well, by the time you sell the house, that might not be desirable.
Are You Investing in Your Happiness?
At the end of the day, homeownership is an investment in your happiness and well-being. It's about creating a space that brings you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging. While it's natural to consider the financial aspects of homeownership, such as property value and resale potential, it's equally important to prioritize the intangible benefits that come from living in a home that truly resonates with you on a personal level. You’re currently the one paying the monthly mortgage, so you’re the one who’s currently trying to make this place into a haven. So you really need to keep that in mind, too.
It’s a Personal Journey, Not Just an Investment
All right, so this just cannot be stressed enough. While yes, it’s 100% true that this is an investment, you have to keep in mind that it’s not the only thing either. The whole point of buying a house to live in is so you have shelter, so you have a place to call your own. But is it truly your own if you’re catering to strangers and a house market? Your house should have your personality, a style that speaks to you, is fun and vibrant, and pretty much just reflects you in all ways possible. By all means, you owe that to yourself!
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