Where to change and where not to change… that is the question…
12 shifts in 4 years on 3 continents and 7 countries. However, every time we switch, we are completely at a loss when deciding exactly which hosting suits us. While I dig up lush gardens (pun intended), my spouse is strictly the sit-at-home type. One kid loves to play outside, but the other, well, layers have never seen better potatoes than her. Between villas and townhouses in the suburbs, tiny apartments in the posh uptown, or good-sized apartments in the not-so-luxury districts, the choice is not easy to make!
Having been through the hassles of switching repeatedly, here are a few things I’ve learned…
Size does matter: is bigger always better? You may like the look of a 5,000 square foot duplex with 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, garden, pool and tennis courts, but remember you have to maintain it. Also, the taxes on a larger property are much more. Help, domestic or professional, costs time, money and energy, and all three are very valuable. So before you choose a large property for your family of four and your dog, think about whether the cost of upkeep and taxes are really worth it.
Forget the ‘We Used to’ crap: society has changed in more ways than one and our childhood priorities have mostly gone out the window. The ‘we used to do that’ perspective no longer applies to our children. So if at age 6 you loved splashing around in puddles and lived in a tree house, your kids don’t have to love it too. Choose accommodation based on real needs and not what you “think” your children need. Perhaps they prefer a cozy apartment where they can interact with other children and share homework time, rather than live in the wooded suburbs, miles away from civilization.
Location is everything (but only from your perspective): Increasingly, a good location means not only its distance from the main points or easy access, but also the advantages in and around it, such as shopping centers, restaurants , spas, ballet classes, ski facilities. etc. But do you really need it all for the premium it costs? You love to learn ballet or you want to go skiing. But do you have time to do that every day of the week? Most likely not. In which case, a weekly outing might work just as well. So instead of paying a premium for premises, you may want to spend it living in a bigger, better apartment. Plan your relocation based on your needs and not real estate dictates.
Neighbors, neighbors, neighbors: Although in city life, we rarely interact with our next door neighbor, it is important to know that you can get in trouble through no fault of your own if you have a really bad neighbor. Before you sign the dotted line, take a look at the house you’ve set your heart on, at different times of the day. You might be surprised to find that the nice old man next door likes to run an electric lawnmower at 7:00 every morning or that the guys upstairs regularly blast P!NK from their home theater systems during the night. middle of the night
Stylish buildings come at a price: Rooftop pools, state-of-the-art gyms, spa and sauna facilities in one building command a premium price for a similar property that doesn’t. Honestly, how many of us actually use these facilities religiously? Since these perks are already included in your rent, it’s a waste if you’re not inclined to sweat in a room full of smelly workout buddies! If you swim or work out less than twice a week, get a flexible gym membership that won’t burn a hole in your pocket and invest the extra rent in a larger apartment, which will allow you to live comfortably.
A room with a view: the upper class overvalues it and the middle class undervalues it, and yet after the selection of the apartment, this factor begins to take its toll if care is not taken.
A view does not mean that you have to get up every morning and look at the sea from your bedroom; That’s expensive. But if your balcony/living room or bedroom doesn’t overlook the neighbors’ bathroom, kitchen or balcony, great!
When selecting an apartment, try to pay a little more for an apartment that faces the other side, even if it’s parking. Trust me, watching a neighbor floss their teeth every morning or hang out in dirty underwear takes its toll over time.
More information about hidden costs:
Once you’ve found the perfect apartment, townhouse or villa, start your work to learn about the hidden costs involved. Check for poorly insulated roofs, which raise air conditioning costs considerably, or drainage problems in bathrooms and kitchens, which in addition to stinking up houses, add to regular plumbing costs. Hire an appraiser or, if you’re using an agent, ask them to get one for a thorough check. You’ll be surprised to find the kind of problems homeowners are hiding!
Try to get the landlord to maintain the property on a regular basis and include it in the contract.