Want To Live A Minimal Lifestyle With No Vehicle? 3 Tips For Buying A House On A Budget
When you become a homeowner, you usually have more room than you ever had before. This allows you to buy multiple vehicles, large furniture, and numerous small appliances without running out of room. The average size of American houses has continued to grow with 2,506 square feet being the average. Although some people like the idea of having so much room, it leads to more maintenance and repairs.
If you want to buy a home on a budget and live a minimal lifestyle, not only should you look for homes that are small in size, but you should prioritize several qualities that will help you realize your goals.
Skip the Garage and Paved Driveway
It is important to look at every feature that a house has to offer before thinking about making an offer. Most homes are equipped with a driveway and garage, but this is not always the case. You can find properties that do not have a garage, which will reduce the property value. This is perfect for saving money, and it is even better when you find driveways with loose material, as opposed to being paved. The easiest driveways to maintain cost-wise are stone or gravel, so they are worth prioritizing. Since you plan on going without a vehicle, you do not need to worry about the quality of these features.
Buy a Fixer-Upper
Since house sizes have continuously risen throughout the years, it is expected that the majority of small homes you come across are older. So, it makes sense for them to have more cosmetic issues compared to recently built properties that have only experienced minimal wear and tear since its construction. A fixer-upper is an excellent compromise to consider on a property because it helps you save money. Instead of paying for luxurious features such as granite countertops, hardwood flooring, and a paved driveway, you can set your sights on homes that need a considerable amount of work until they look attractive. Just make sure to invest in a thorough home inspection to ensure the problems are solely cosmetic.
Find A Home with Nearby Essentials
Living without a vehicle is quite realistic in many cities, especially the ones of smaller size. New developments such as smartphone apps that give you bus times and businesses that offer car-sharing make it much easier to live without a car compared to just several years ago. But, you will appreciate when you have the essentials nearby such as grocery stores, schools, shopping, and a hospital. If you have pets, you will want to have an animal hospital close by that you can access quickly in an emergency. Additionally, quality-of-life businesses to look for include eye doctors, dentists, spa services, and restaurants.
Buying a home can get a little tricky when you want to live minimally and without a car, especially while on a budget, but following these tips will get you one step closer to owning a home that you love.