Once you decide that you're ready to buy a house, the next decision you'll need to make is how much house to buy. In other words, how large of a home do you need? If you're having difficulty answering this question immediately, that's fairly normal. It's wise to consider your lifestyle and goals and how they affect the amount of space you need in a home. Our REALTORS® are excited to share a few tips to help you do just that.

1. Family Size and Future Plans
   How many people are in your family, and do you expect that to change in the next couple of years? People sometimes underestimate how much more space they'll need once they have kids. If you are a young couple and plan to grow your family, it's often wise to size up when buying a home. 
   
   Maybe you're empty nesters. If so, think about your own parents. If there is a chance of them moving in with you, this is another reason to "size up" your home.
   
   
2. Storage Needs
   Some people are minimalists and only keep things they use routinely. Others are on the opposite end of the spectrum and like to keep large collections of items "just in case." Consider how much stuff you have to store and how that will affect your space needs.
   
   Also consider the type of items you have to store. If they're mostly outdoor items and sports gear, you may be able to get away with a smaller home—but one with a storage shed or larger garage.
   
   
3. Entertainment Preferences
   Do you prefer to have people over to your home for parties and gatherings? Or do you prefer to go to restaurants and event venues for entertainment? This will affect the amount of space you need in a home.
   
   If you love entertaining at home, look for a larger home, specifically one with a big kitchen and great room. If you eat out and go out for entertainment, you can often get away with less space.
   
   
4. Work Habits
   Working from home has become more common over the past few years. If you work from home, you'll want to look for a larger home. You want a dedicated space that you can use as an office. It's also nice to have a little more space when you're spending all day at home.
   
   If you have a partner, make sure you consider their work habits, too. If they also work from home, look for a house with two rooms you can use as offices. It is so much easier to work in separate rooms to avoid distractions.
   
   
5. Finances
   Size is just one factor that affects the cost of a home. There are exceptions, but you'll usually pay more for a larger home than a smaller one in the same or a nearby neighborhood.
   
   If you have a tight budget, you may want to look for a smaller home and plan on sizing up if your circumstances change. If you have more money to spare, buying a larger home is often wiser, so you don't have to go through the hassle of sizing up later on.

Whether you're looking at Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, it's important to go in with a size range in mind. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are looking for a real estate agent to guide you through the buying process.