Are you planning on tying the knot soon? If so, you might also be thinking about where you and your spouse will live in Albuquerque. If you plan on buying a home together, you may already be seeing some stress factors. But you can make buying a home with your new spouse an empowering experience that symbolizes your rock solid foundation and partnership. Here are some tips that will help you get started on the right foot buying a home in Albuquerque.
Choose the Right Albuquerque Neighborhood for Your Budget
Kick off your home-buying search by exploring neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget. Remember to look beyond what your mortgage and home insurance will cost. Utilities, car payments, student loans, food, furniture, credit card debt and any other fixed expenses should be factored into your budget. Don’t forget to add in costs for annual repairs, as well as just some fun money to actually enjoy your home.
Take a look at the neighborhoods that appeal to you from how long your commute will be to the available recreation. Outdoor lovers and hiking enthusiasts will have completely different criteria than someone who loves the downtown nightlife, and either option will affect your budget.
Right-Size Your Life
Buying your first home in Albuquerque as newlyweds is full of hope and excitement of the years to come. Soon, you start thinking about how it could be your forever home and hold all the children and guests of your dreams. But in reality, any home you purchase should be right-sized for your current life or the not so distant future.
For example, purchasing a home for the five kids you want is expensive with a lot of upkeep and overhead. You may decide to put off having children for several years or change plans. Instead, focus on the home you need for the next five or six years that can comfortably accommodate the two of you. An extra room for guests, a new baby or an home office can add the needed flexibility to your new home.
Stay Proactive About Safety
Some couples may choose a less than desirable neighborhood to offset mortgage costs. That may work well for your finances, but shouldn’t compromise your safety. Meanwhile, couples moving into safe neighborhoods with little crime activity can lead to complacency. It’s always imperative to protect your home and personal safety regardless of your environment.
Start by installing a security camera system where you can monitor your home from the office, on the road or from your own bedroom. For example, Lorex Technology offers Wi-Fi home security cameras with two-way audio and night vision, as well as complete outdoor security camera systems. Joining your neighborhood watch, or online community groups can help monitor for suspicious activity.
Keep Communication Open
Home maintenance, upkeep and ongoing chores can quickly create ripples in a marriage and impact your relationship. Keep the lines of communications open and set expectations early. Divide up who is doing what and become a reliable partner who sticks to their end of the bargain. It’s also crucial to allow for flexibility.
Your partner’s demands at work could exponentially increase, or you may find you loathe the chore you signed-up for. Talk it out and support each other through the ups and downs of maintaining a home together. Don’t let your home become an albatross. At the end of the day, you want your home to be a safe haven for love and communication.
Make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.
HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!
5108 WILD PLUM Way NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 $839,000
4 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 5184 Square Feet
Stunning Custom Home in desirable, gated neighborhood! On a quiet cul-de-sac this luxurious home has a fantastic layout perfect for entertaining. Chipped edge Travertine tile downstairs, lighted niches, viga ceilings and tile accents on the walls/ceiling are just few of the features this home has to offer. Kitchen is a chefs dream with granite counters, Wolf gas cooktop, pot filler, warming drawer, 2 dishwashers, 2 sinks and a wine cooler that holds 88 bottles! Master suite has balcony with access from bedroom and private sitting room. Two-way fireplace, bidet, california closets (in all rms), jetted tub and a steamer in the shwr make this a perfect retreat. Theater room with projector, recliner chairs, movie posters and popcorn maker all convey! So much more you have too see to believe.
Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details!
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