Live Small and prosper: Priorities related to your house

Would you agree?

Most of the glossy pages of home magazines and inserts are reserved for pictures of glossy, expensive, out-of-reach-for-the ordinary-Joe houses, kitchens, bathrooms, renovations, additions and the like?

Do the pages seem to say, push, spend, improve? Bigger is better?

Well, that’s the vibe I get, at any rate.

But near the back of a recent ‘Homes’ insert in my local paper I found a sensible article - with no glossy photos, sorry - that actually said to new homebuyers that ‘bigger is not necessarily better.’ Amazing but true.

I also felt the tips to new homebuyers should also be considered by current homeowners, whether they’ve been in their house for 5 years or 35 years.

The article, entitled ‘Set priorities before house hunting’ starts out as follows:

“Many first-time homebuyers start out with wide eyes and a long wish list. But their list may be based on current trends and not reflect their true needs or values.” (Oct. 2, Sandra Rinomato, London Free Press)

Don’t many current homeowners also have a long wish list?


["I have a great backyard, but...": photo GH]

Aren’t many going further into debt to keep up with current trends?

Are some out of tune with their real needs?

Here’s one thing that Rinomato encourages new homebuyers to consider (before a purchase) that I think current home owners should consider as well.

“For instance, you might long for a large lot in a quiet suburban cul-de-sac. But ask yourself how much time you're willing to spend in your car when you could be enjoying your new home.”

That’s a good idea.

I bet there are people living in the ‘burbs who are growing tired of driving here, there and everywhere for just about every need.

Rinomato continues:

“Access to public transport, proximity to work and school, and having shops and services within walking distance can make a big difference. There's more at stake here than just lowering carbon emissions; it's also about quality of life.”

Some in the ‘burbs may well agree but say, it’s too late now, we’re stuck.

But are they?

For the time being, no doubt. But it’s never too late to begin thinking about a house closer to many of life’s amenities and a life that is less car-dependent.

And if you’re thinking it, talk to significant others about your feelings. Ask if a three-, five-, or ten-year escape plan is worth considering. And if there is mutual agreement, start collecting information about other, more convenient parts of town. (Ever heard of Wortley Village?)

If it makes sense, start the process.

Already, I’m thinking about it myself. Though my wife and I already live in Wortley Village, close to most conveniences, a move within the neighbourhood may only be 5 - 10 years away.

Why?

More to follow.

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