• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • BLOG
  • Meet Sarah
  • Shop With Me
    • My Amazon Store
    • LIKEtoKNOW.it
    • Buy Plexus (the pink drink!))
    • Buy Arbonne
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
The Fashionable Housewife

The Fashionable Housewife

Because Moms Should Look Good, Too!

  • Fashion
    • Today’s Outfit
    • Outfit Ideas
    • Spring Fashion
    • Summer Fashion
    • Fall Fashion
    • Winter Fashion
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Nail Polish
    • Organic or Eco-Friendly
    • Hair Removal
    • Sun Protection
    • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Health
    • Fitness
    • Weight Loss
    • Pregnancy
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • About The Dukan Diet
    • Review of i-Lipo Laser Liposuction Treatment
  • Home Life
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Decor
    • Outdoors
    • DIY & Crafts
    • Homesteading
    • Finances
  • Marriage
  • Faith
  • Parenting
    • Baby Gear
    • Babywearing
    • Breastfeeding
    • Cloth Diapers & Diapering
    • Pregnancy
    • Natural Birth
  • Homeschooling
    • Raising Wild Saints
  • Recipes
    • Food & Snacks
    • Baby Food
    • Gluten Free
    • Keto
    • Coffee
    • Cocktails
  • Travel
    • Story Land in Glen, NH
  • Shop My Looks

5 Things To Do When Searching for the Perfect Family Homestead

Modified on November 4, 2019 at 5:36 PM

Sharing is caring!

2 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Your home is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever buy in your life, so it’s no surprise that people can spend months, sometimes even years, trying to find the right property. Sometimes you can get lucky, you walk into a house and just get a good vibe, while other times it can take two or three viewings before you really start to appreciate a house. It helps to do your research first, which can guide you to the right properties and help you save time, so here are some things to consider when you’re looking to make that big move.

Know your essentials

Most people have a long list of things that would make up their dream home but being too particular can mean you miss out on some great places. A recent survey of home buyers showed that storage space, patios, open plan kitchens and hardwood floors all top wish lists. However, while some of these things are easy to change about a house, some properties might not have the potential for you to do so. A lack of storage space could be a major deal-breaker, while a closed-plan kitchen might be easy to open up. Make sure you know what’s essential on your wish-list and which things you can do without.

Set a realistic budget

Banks are starting to recover from the subprime mortgage crisis, which means some lenders aren’t as cautious as others, so may offer you a large home loan. While it’s tempting to borrow as much as you can to get your dream home, this can leave you financially stretched and in danger of losing your home if you lose your job. Most financial experts say you should only spend up to 30% of your net pay on housing, and if you’re going to be taking out loans for renovations or paying fees, then keep these extra payments in mind. 

Find a great realtor

The process of home buying is so much simpler when you have a realtor who truly understands your needs and communicates with you every step of the way. A realtor from Ashby & Graff Real Estate will talk you through your requirements and find suitable properties in your area, as well as places that you may overlook when doing your own searches. They can also help guide you through the process in general. Make sure you take the time to find the best realtor in Charleston, SC or wherever you are looking to buy a house, to help eliminate stress!

Pin down the right location

If the home you buy isn’t 100% right, then there’s plenty you can do, from building extensions to redecorating. However, if you get the location wrong, then you have to live with it for the foreseeable future. When it comes to family homes, schools are often the main consideration, so look online for honest reviews. Google Maps makes life easier, as it allows you to calculate travel times such as your commute but be sure to factor in traffic. You may want to do a practice run at peak time before you commit to buying to see the real length of your drive.

Have an inspection

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re excited about a property, but don’t commit to anything until you’ve had a full property inspection carried out. Depending on your state, an inspection may be a legal requirement when you take out a mortgage, and it can help you avoid a big legal problem down the line.

While some people find the right home the first time they book a viewing, for many it’s a long process, especially when they’re moving from an apartment or small house to their family home. If you’re starting a family or moving with kids, then this could well be your forever home, so it’s important to spend lots of time doing your research and making sure it’s right for you before you commit. 

Related posts:

No related posts.

Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on September 16, 2019 at 2:44 PM
Filed Under: Home Life, Homesteading
Tagged With: family home, home buyer, Home Life, home owner, homeowner, homeownership, homestead, homesteading, real estate

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

Disclaimer

The Fashionable Housewife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for blogs and websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission on purchases made through our links. There is no extra cost to you! For more info, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

Previous Post: « How To Ease Life’s Biggest Challenges
Next Post: A Guide to Protecting Your Family in a Car Accident »

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Hello, there!

Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

This blog is a place for me to share how we live and what I love most. I’m on a mission to help busy moms like you, be fashionable too! Read More…

Never miss a post


Use code FASHION10 to get 10% off your order at www.mapleandlark.com





Use our exclusive coupon code
LS-SARAHJEAN for $20 off your first order!


DHgate fashion dresses for sale

Use coupon code ‘FHW‘
to get 20% off your order!!!

Latest on Instagram

fashionablewife

𝒯𝒽ℯℱ𝒶𝓈𝒽𝒾ℴ𝓃𝒶𝒷𝓁ℯℋℴ𝓊𝓈ℯ𝓌𝒾𝒻ℯ
Christian, Wife, Mama x 5. livin' in NH
Fashion, Food, Health, & Home
✉️ Email me, let’s work together!

𝕊𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕙 | Fashionable Homemaker & Large Family Life
You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
I’m addicted and I just can’t get enough 😂🫣

I’m loving my no -toxic, non-stick cookware from @caraway_home  It’s as beautiful as it is easy to cook with. And it makes my kitchen look prettier too! 💁🏼‍♀️

Want to learn more about why I’m obsessed with these pots and pans? Visit my blog and search CARAWAY! Or scroll through my feed! 🥳

#homemaker #housewifelife #homestyler #momlife
Today was my due date for Dylan. Considering he w Today was my due date for Dylan.

Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

The grief doesn't just go away, even if you try to ignore it, it's still there. Like the sun. You don’t have to look at it to know it’s there. You can turn your back on it but it will still warm your skin. 

The grief from losing a child is unbearable. 
It is unpredictable.
It is unforgiving.
It is relentless.
It is all-consuming.
And it completely shatters you when you don’t expect it. 

You don’t get over it. You don’t forget. You simply learn to live with it. And I’m learning to live with it every day. 

It’s been 137 days I’ve had to live without my baby. 

Lord Jesus, please… hold me extra tight tonight. 

#babyloss #babylossawareness #babylosssupport #babylosscommunity #babylosssurvivor #stillbornstillloved #stillbornawareness #stillbirth #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness

Footer

coffee

Each product we feature on The Fashionable Housewife has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links in our posts, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
  • Home
  • Meet Sarah
  • Contact Us
  • Disclosures & Privacy Policy

[Est 2005] Copyright © 2023 Sarah-Jean Ballard and Fashionable Media | Beloved Theme

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
2 shares