Buying a home is about more than just the house itself; it’s about the whole picture, from the community you’ll join to the kerb appeal that greets you every day. The neighborhood and the home's aesthetic go hand-in-hand to create a lifestyle you love.
Location, location, and lifestyle
The old saying "location, location, location" is a cliché for a reason - it's true. According to David Jacobs of the Rawson Property Group, your neighborhood choice can define your entire home-buying experience. It’s not just about the house, it’s about how your life feels when you walk out the front door. Before you get lost in paint colours and kitchen ideas, take a step back and consider the bigger picture:
- Safety: Drive through the area at different times of the day and night. Are the streets well-lit? Is there visible security? Local insights from residents can be invaluable, as safety can vary from one block to the next.
- Schools and Amenities: Good schools are a huge plus for families and a key driver of property value. Also, consider the amenities you can't live without, like grocery stores, gyms, and clinics.
- Commuting and Convenience: The neighborhood should support your current and future lifestyle. Whether it's the school run or the commute to the office, a well-connected location with good transport links adds value and makes daily life smoother.
- The vibe: Pay attention to the "feel" of the area. Are the houses well-kept? Are the parks busy? A sense of community pride is a strong indicator of long-term stability.
- Future Developments: Check with the local municipality about any planned developments. A peaceful street today could be a construction zone tomorrow - it’s best to know beforehand.
To get a real sense of a neighborhood, spend time there during the week and on the weekend. Walk the streets, visit local parks and coffee shops, and even check out local community groups online to get the inside scoop.
The all-important kerb appeal
Once you’ve found the right location, it’s time to think about the house itself, and the first impression it makes. A beautiful front garden not only provides a pleasant space for you but also significantly boosts your home's value. You don't need a professional landscaper to create an impressive garden. The colder months are a great time to plan a low-maintenance, water-wise design that offers year-round kerb appeal.
Tips for a beautiful, low-maintenance garden:
- Choose the right plants: Select plants that are well-suited to your garden's conditions, whether it's full sun or dappled shade. Evergreen plants that flower at different times of the year can provide consistent interest, colour, and texture.
- Water-wise planting: Fill beds and borders with plants that thrive on occasional watering. Using a rainwater harvesting tank or an automated drip irrigation system can ensure your garden stays healthy even during water restrictions.
- Sun-filled gardens: For sunny spots, succulents and indigenous plants are a great choice. They come in a variety of colours and shapes, require minimal maintenance, and are perfect for rocky settings or borders.
- Shady gardens: If your garden doesn't get much sun, there are many plants with colourful foliage that love the shade. These are an excellent way to add visual interest throughout the year.
Ultimately, your home-buying journey is about finding a place that aligns with your lifestyle. By doing your homework on both the neighborhood and the property’s potential, you can find a home that fits your budget and provides a great life for years to come.
Let the sun shine
Succulents and cactus are the best plants for a garden that receives full sun all day long. You might also consider some of our local indigenous plants for a sunny garden, as these won't require too much watering. Succulents are Mother Nature's treasures and they come in a wide variety of colours and interesting shapes that can be added to borders or beds or to a rocky setting to create a colourful front garden that requires almost no maintenance.
Shady garden plants
If your front garden does not receive a lot of natural sunlight during the day, perhaps because of high trees in the area, or buildings that block off a lot of sunlight, there are many different varieties of plants that love a shady spot. And these plants have different coloured foliage that makes up for the lack of flowers - to give you year round interest.
Source: HomeDzine
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