Deal Breakers When House Hunting in the Luxury Market–or Any Market for That Matter.

Having spent a year at home during the pandemic, homeowners in all price ranges have had to reevaluate their living spaces and adjust to the new normal. While millennials moved back in with their parents, many city loft owners were able to find refuge in a vacation home, possibly for more space. Now, as the country becomes vaccinated and more people get back to work, many of these city dwellers have to weigh the pros and cons of staying in their second home, returning to the city, or finding a new home that meets all of their needs. Here are a few things that should take precedence in your house hunt as well as a few deal breakers you should avoid.

Most Important

Location

When looking for your luxury home, the location should be the most important consideration in your search. Whether you want to be located on the beachfront, in a gated community, in the middle of the city, or in the middle of nowhere, the land and location will always be the true value. Remember that at any moment, you could knock down your current home to build your dream home, but you cannot pick up your dream house and move it to a new location. Just make sure you understand each location’s specific pros and cons, like weather conditions and natural disasters, access to common amenities, or additional taxes. Don’t let an undesirable location or setting be future deal breakers for you.

Privacy

If privacy is important to your new home, make sure you pay close attention to public access, the proximity of neighbors, and if any homeowners association regulations would prevent you from creating a private oasis. This is especially important when considering a beachfront property because, although some great homes exist on public beaches, these places will constantly have pedestrians walking by and peering into your beautiful luxury home. That and the feeling of living in a “glass house” could be other future deal breakers.

Lot Size

Just as where your home is located, how much space you will have is something that is generally impossible to change. Even if you have plans for an addition or expansion of the home in your future, you have to consider how much this will cut into your yard and outdoor space–as well as zoning or HOA setback limitations Even if you have a larger lot in a neighborhood, some HOAs may not let you build into the space (i.e. closer to the street or too close to neighbors). This also can tie into privacy, because the larger the lot, the farther away your neighbors are. 

Layout

If you’re not interested in pricey and extensive remodels or rebuilds, pay closer attention to the layout or footprint of the home. Would the changes you want to make require the moving of major plumbing and electrical work? Is the wall you want to remove load bearing? Although these changes are possible, if you do not want to deal with anything more than cosmetic fixes, finding a house that already has your ideal layout and flow will save you a lot of time and money.

Least Important

Appliances

If the footprint of the kitchen is to your taste, try not to get hung up on appliances. Every year, companies are coming out with the best smart and eco-friendly appliances with more features and space than ever before. If the appliances seem in good enough condition, check if they have a warranty or if the previous owner used a home warranty, so you can avoid the extra hassle for repairs and replacements down the line. A kitchen should always be customized to your needs, rather than the latest trends. At the same time, there are luxurious and timeless finishes for your kitchen that include natural surfaces, backsplashes, cabinets and flooring.

Finishes

Finishes and fixtures are the easiest things to customize in your new home. Whether this is doorknobs or the showerhead, these items are extremely tied to taste. Even if you’re looking for a turn-key home, these details can easily be changed by a professional in a day if they are not your style. 

Paint

If you’ve ever watched a house-hunting show, you may have noticed how often people can get hung up on paint color or outdated wallpaper. However, especially in homes that are the opposite of what you envisioned, it can make the space seem bigger or smaller than intended. Trust the square footage and the natural light, and remember interior designers have used paint color to transform rooms for ages. 

So many homes on the market have been built and designed with one specific family in mind. When looking at these homes, it’s important to remember the things that matter most to you–and have the vision to see what will be changed and customized to your tastes. This means working with an agent who knows the market well and who will always support you in your vision. Contact me or start your search for your dream home today–and we’ll try to avoid the deal breakers that might hurt you down the road.

–Mark Murphy, Realtor and Certified Property Manager
CA. DRE # 02092748
San Diego Previews Real Estate
619-916-1982