Not Too Big, Not Too Small? What’s the Perfect Square Footage for Your Home?

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So many homebuyers look at price per square footage as a factor in whether or not to consider a home. While this is a good idea in a general sense, there is no set formula or standard by which you should decide to buy a home when it comes to price per square footage.

In fact, builders will calculate the area of a home differently than an appraiser will. Appraisers’ calculations differ yet from an auditor’s and you could easily end up with three varying numbers that mean little to you as a homeowner.

At the end of the day, what matters most is how you feel in the space. It is important to compare the space to your needs and your usage. Consider where you are coming from and what type of room you require to live comfortably. As you walk through a home, survey each room and imagine your belongings in the area. If it seems the home lacks enough square footage or feels cramped despite a decent amount of area, then it may be a good idea to move on. Conversely, if the layout is set up in a way that despite being a few hundred square feet less than what you had imagined the perfect size it still feels good – then go for it!

If you fall in love with a property but it seems the space is a little too cramped for your taste – there are a few alternatives to consider that might help get around the issue. Décor plays a huge role in how big or small a space may seem. Utilize light colors, varying textures and airy furniture that is set up to make a room seem larger. Similarly, you can paint the walls in lighter hues to draw the eyes away from the walls and into the room itself.

If the issue is larger than that, another option is to consider renovating the space to expand areas of the home in a way to specifically suit your needs. With today’s dwindling inventory, more and more buyers are eager to lock in the phenomenally low interest rates and adjust their requirements slightly. You might get the best of both worlds by adding additional space, customized to your own needs while locking in a great price in a home that you have otherwise fallen in love with!

If you are considering buying a new home and would like personalized attention on this or other aspects of real estate, I invite you to contact us today!  We look forward to serving you!