Buyers Guide: Size Doesn't Always Matter

Size Doesn’t Always Matter

Bigger does not always mean better! This statement rings particularly true when you are looking at real estate.

You are looking for your next home and you need more room. Naturally, you’re going to start looking at houses with more square footage. But buyer beware, this number is helpful sure, but should not be treated as the end all, be all.

If you are looking to upsize your home, do not focus solely on that square footage number in the listing. Square footage can be deceiving and while accurate, not actually indicative of the true house size. Plenty of square footage can be wasted on things like long and pointless hallways. These add up on paper but don’t add up to more living space. Another place it can go to waste is in rooms that you'll never use or need. You know that home theatre you think is amazing, it’s great for the first little bit, maybe you even watch a few movies in it. The time goes on and it goes more and more unused and inturn, so does that square footage. Finally, be wary of the square footage making up small bedrooms. These are “bedrooms” in name only, they are too small to be functional and end up as additional wasted square footage.

Whether or not a home you are looking at is the right size for you will more often than not depend on the layout. Not how much “space” there is, but rather how that space is utilized. The bigger number is not always the answer, the layout of the home has to work for you and sometimes that means a smaller square footage. Take a look at the grpahic below to understand where your square footage comes per room and tehn how it adds up in a whole house and how what we talked about above can come into play.

So how can you make sure this is not a situation you run into? Today, almost every listing is marketed with tools and resources that can help you decide if the space is big enough and the layout will work for you. Use these, do not ignore them, they exist to help. If you find a home or listing that you think will be right for you see if any of the following resources are available. Photos of the home, videos of the home, a 3-D tour may be available and allow you to virtually “walk” the house, and check to see if room measurements and floor plans are available to view. All of these can help you determine if the home is right for you. However, do not forget that nothing can replace your eyes. If the home comes close to checking off all the boxes on your wants/needs list, then your best course of action is to visit the property and decide in-person. There is no substitute for walking through the home and getting that layout and spatial feel for yourself.

Jump Realty’s roster of agents are here to help you navigate and guide you through the process of buying or selling your home. We pride ourselves on our agents putting their clients' needs above all else and making sure they are pleased with the sale or purchase of their home. For more help feel free to contact us.