Defining Your Dream Home; How To Purchase It?

I think most will agree that what partially defines your dream home is something we do not currently have, but something we hope to one day purchase. It is also something that brings us joy thinking about. Perhaps even a goal.

Why Are Dream Homes Different For Everyone?

A similar question could be asked about why are general dreams different for everyone. Much of it probably has to do with life experiences, personal tastes, what each of us currently have, and where we hope to be next in our lives.

Perspective on Different Dreams

It is easy to think everyone is in the same position as ourselves which is of course incorrect. In regard to homes, some people do not own one. In reality, some people never will. Some have small homes that are in tremendous need of repair, and others have brand new luxury homes... maybe even several. All this is to say that a "dream home" is widely defined, and it is not always about "more". It can be about what fills the need best.

Dream Home Examples

As an exercise of realizing that everyone has a different want, needs, and dream, here are perhaps a few examples of how people may define their dream home.

A Dream Condo

Maybe a retired couple has decided to travel the world and be at "home" only once in awhile, then their dream home may be a small condo where everything is take care of for them. The same could possibly be the case for a new professional just starting out and wanting an urban maintenance-free home so time can be spent enjoying the highlights of the town.

Starter Home Success

For many homeowners - or future homeowners - the starter home IS the dream home. A lot of life-learning and hard work go into the ability to purchase one's own first home. Whether it be one with a small footprint, or one that is full of features and space, there is nothing like owning your first home, and so it is often considered a dream home.

A Small Cottage on Land

Not everyone lives "in town", so perhaps there is someone whose dream is to have a small wood-sided home on a large tract of land. Plenty of space for several large gardens, fields for the dogs to play, and even where space to hang a clothes-drying line without HOA interference could be one person's dream home.

The Modern Art Home

Picture an artist who has vision that is full of creativity. Traditional may not be in their zone, but wild design and thinking outside the box could be their taste. This person's dream home may include features that are forms of expression with exciting visuals incorporated into every aspect of the home.

Mega Mansion Dreams

This is probably the most thought of when someone mentions "dream home". Whether it be from what people see in movies, with celebrities, or even in their local area, large luxury homes are often what dreams are made of. Our area actually has many communities of these, and they are homes to people who have definitely put in the work to achieve their dream.

The point here is that everyone's dreams are different which is one of the incredible things about being individual. Working in the real estate industry, it is always thrilling to see people get excited about such different homes that each fill the wants and needs of the buyer.

Does One's Dream Stay The Same?

Absolutely not. You see, there is somewhat of a home cycle that a lot of people go through. It is somewhat associated with one's life timeline and how the perception of success connects with that line. The needs and wants for space and luxury finishes often also join into the mix.

• Starters - They usually are seeking independence and want their own home, but are flexible about how that is defined.
• Climbers - This group is on what they deem to be the road to success. Graduating upward in homes is part of the journey. This phase may last for awhile, and even include several home transitions.
• Resters - Well established, and either happy with, or wiling to accept the status quo. These homeowners have reached a point where their dreams have either been achieved, or their dream has shifted.
• Reducers - Having climbed, achieved, and felt satisfied, the new dream may be to downsize by selling their home and enjoy life more through less to manage and more time to play.

So, yes, the dream home tends to shift in definition. This doesn't apply to everyone though. A lot of homeowners are happy living in a single place all their lives. Some of the influence on how people progress with their homes may relate to their area, the means to follow the dreams, and even if they are okay with dreams remaining just that.

Defining Your Dream Home

Look around, and see where you are in life. What are your wants... your needs? Do you need or want more or less than what you currently have? In what ways?

There are so many aspects to defining what your dream home is. A few things to consider are:

• How long do you plan to be in your dream home?
• Which aspects in the home do you NEED?
• Which aspect do you simply WANT?
• Prioritize those, so you know which ones are must-haves, and which ones you can compromise on if you otherwise found a great home.
• If other people are included in the decisions, have conversations to form a team approach to the search.
• And, of course define the budget - after doing research to ensure the needs, wants, and funds all align.

You may already have your dream home defined, or simply want to see some examples of which type of homes are available in our area.  Our easy-to-use IDX search includes all the homes in our area's MLS, so you get to see ALL the listings right here.  Search based on your preferences, and SAVE your search, so you stay updated.  Additionally, Shaun has the COMPASS Private Exclusive listing network, and those are not publicly listed, but we are happy to share them with you.  Simply contact us about reviewing those.