If you are looking for a larger home that is a better fit for your needs and growing family, you'll want to make sure to consider all of your options and research before purchasing a new space. To ease your mind, we've put together a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to consider when searching for a spacious home. This guide will ensure you're ticking all the right boxes, from the size of the lot to the layout of the floor plan.
Interior square footage
An important factor to weigh when searching for spacious Mt. Washington real estate is the interior square footage. What is the square footage of your present home, and how much space do you need? For budgeting purposes, consult with a local real estate agent to get an estimate per square foot in the areas you are interested in. Once you have a benchmark, you can narrow your search.
Sometimes it's better to determine what additional rooms or living spaces you desire, which can help you target an appropriately sized home. You may want a house with a large, gourmet kitchen, an office space, or a couple of additional bedrooms. If you enjoy entertaining, do you desire features like a formal dining room, a great room, and ample outdoor living spaces? After determining what rooms and living spaces will better fit your lifestyle, estimate the additional square footage you'll need and add it to your current home's square footage. After that, you should have a much better idea of the size of the home you should target.
Layout
Just because a home is large doesn't mean it's going to have the open, airy feel you're going for. Pay attention to how the spaces within each home you visit are laid out. Does the house have a lot of small rooms or hallways, or does it have an open floor plan with spacious rooms and few hallways? An open concept tends to make each space feel brighter and more spacious, while hallways and divided rooms can make a house feel cramped and closed in.
Does the home's layout offer fit your needs? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the primary bedroom located on the main floor or upstairs? Where is the laundry room located, and is the location convenient to the majority of the bedrooms in the home? Are there unfinished spaces that can be converted into additional living areas, offering options for future upsizing?
You'll want to ensure the layout can accommodate large gatherings if you frequently entertain. Is there a formal dining room or great room that can comfortably seat your guests? Is the kitchen laid out in a way that would work for your cooking and entertaining style? If you work from home, is there a dedicated office space? Remember to consider how the layout will work with your furniture. Will your current pieces fit comfortably in the new home, or will you need to downsize or purchase new furniture? It's important to factor the home’s layout into your decision, so you can be sure you're making the best choice for your needs.
Storage space
When you visit properties you like, carefully examine each room and space for roominess and storage. A large room with a tiny closet will almost certainly create frustration over a lack of storage space. Kitchens and baths are particularly important when it comes to having ample storage, so ensure that the home has enough cabinets, drawers, and counter space. Check the pantry and linen closet to see if they offer ample space for storing towels, linens, and grocery items. It's essential to find a balance between square footage and livability.
When you visit homes, carefully examine each room and space for roominess and storage. A large room with a tiny closet will almost certainly create frustration over a lack of storage space. Kitchens and baths are particularly important when it comes to having ample storage, so ensure that the home has enough cabinets, drawers, and counter space. Check the pantry and linen closet to see if they offer ample space for storing towels, linens, and grocery items. It's crucial to find a balance between square footage and livability.
Don't confine your examination to the home's interior; look at storage outside, too. Does the house have a shed, garage, or other outbuildings to store lawn equipment, holiday decorations, or bicycles? If you frequently entertain guests, is there enough space to store extra tables and chairs? Is the garage large enough for all your vehicles, or will you park on the street? These are all essential characteristics to consider when searching for a larger home.
Lot size
The size of the lot is also an important consideration. If you are looking for a spacious backyard, outdoor living spaces, or plenty of parking room, you'll want to focus your search on homes with larger lots. Consider how you would like to use your outdoor space. Do you envision yourself entertaining guests on the patio? Do you want enough room for a pool or garden? Would you like a private backyard oasis, or do you prefer a home with a smaller yard that's easy to maintain? Consider these lifestyle preferences when deciding what size lot best suits your needs.
Location
The location of your home may also be an essential consideration when it comes to upsizing. If you want to upsize your home, you might need to sacrifice the convenience of being in the heart of the city for a more suburban or rural location. For a home in a fantastic suburban locale that is conveniently located near Washington, DC, and Baltimore, consider looking at home sales in Frederick County, MD. If you want to remain in the city, it may be possible to find a spacious home by considering townhomes or row homes, although these will most assuredly have a very small lot.
If you are looking for a larger home in Central Maryland, contact William Weeks with Coldwell Banker. William is an experienced, attentive, and responsive realtor that believes in going above and beyond for clients. He can provide expert assistance with selling your current home and finding the perfect new home to fit your growing needs.
