Buying a house is a thrilling life event! When you're solo it can be even more exciting as you don't have anyone else to argue with over what you really want in a home. But before you jump into a contract over the first cute house that you see there are some things to take into consideration.
Is it in a safe area?
Living alone brings to the fore safety - safety should really be a concern. Is there enough outdoor lighting? Do you feel like the neighbours could see something happening when you are gone? And something else to consider - is it in a safe part of town? It can be the cutest, cheapest house ever, but if it's in the middle of a shady part of town then you might want to reconsider it.
Can you have a pet?
Cat or dog, it doesn't matter. But some places are better suited to having a furry friend than others. Most dogs prefer a big yard to run around in, and you might have to spend the money to fence it in if you have a large dog. If you can't get home quickly on lunch break then you need to make sure that your pet will be ok alone all day.
Will it be large enough for friends to visit and spend a few days?
Although a small house has a lot of appeal for a person by themselves, it's important to make sure that the home is big enough for a party. If your friends love to get together you won't want them to feel cramped when they come to visit. Making sure that you have a second bedroom or at least space for an air mattress for overnight guests is also a good idea.
How easily can you access stores?
Living out in the middle of nowhere is fun until you need to make an emergency grocery run. Before you sign a contract make sure that you're happy with how quickly you can get to stores, your job, even the doctor.
Be careful during this exciting time not to let your emotions run away with you. Buying a house is fun and can make you feel like a real adult, but there's not much worse than buyer's remorse on such a large purchase.
