The search for an upscale home can be as complex as it is thrilling. Simply walking through one beautiful possibility after another and imagining them as your own can feel exhilarating.

The challenge is in clearly defining what luxury means to you. Everyone has different priorities and a unique vision for the lifestyle they want to achieve. One buyer’s convenience is another buyer’s mansion!

Before embarking on the search for the perfect home to upgrade your lifestyle, you’ll need to start by defining and fine-tuning your criteria. In this post, we’ll talk about what to watch for when purchasing a high-end property.

Defining Luxury

To some people, upscale living means living large like a celebrity, complete with a sprawling home, inground swimming pool, hot tub, and in-house movie theatre.

For others, luxury is more about simplifying life and having more time to enjoy new experiences with friends and loved ones. Whatever an elevated lifestyle means to you, the first step is to determine what type of home will allow you to have it all. 

Do you want to learn more about the real estate market before beginning the search for your new home? The posts below will help to build your foundation:

Location Above All

Where to buy your dream house is as critical, if not more so, than anything else. Think of it this way. Even a slightly imperfect home offers an outstanding lifestyle when you’re head over heels in love with your surroundings and the people who live there.

The next question is whether to settle in a city, small town, or rural setting. This comes down to striking the right balance between natural beauty and convenience.

Living It Up in the Beautiful Countryside

If you’re looking for a relaxed way of life, Northumberland is just one possibility. Here, you’ll discover a sprawling rural paradise where many properties offer gorgeous waterfront views and picturesque scenery. 

Though mostly rural, the small towns of Port Hope and Cobourg mean that every amenity and convenience is nearby. In addition, access to major highways makes it easy to travel to surrounding cities like Oshawa or Toronto whenever necessary. 

The Luxury of City Convenience

If your dream of luxury means having a world of convenience outside your door, city life may be more up your alley. This doesn’t necessarily mean moving to a bustling metropolis like Toronto or Ottawa.

Growing cities like Oshawa and Peterborough allow for countless shopping and dining opportunities and a thrilling nightlife. With an abundance of beautiful parks and trails right in town, you’ll also enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. 

The Structure Counts

When it comes to real estate decisions, what’s on the outside really does count. Consider a sprawling home with expansive lawns and gardens.

  • There’s beauty everywhere, and all this outdoor living space feels like an expansion of your home. For a moment, you might consider this the epitome of luxury living. And for the right buyer, it definitely can be. 
  • However, a property with luxurious green space will also require meticulous maintenance to keep up. This has a cost involved, both financially and in terms of time and effort. 

Now imagine a gorgeous condo on the 11th floor. Not only do you have all of the vast living space you could ever need, but the views from your balcony are spectacular. Your beautiful, modern, and upscale condo represents upscale living at its finest.

  • The primary benefit is that you don’t have to worry about any of the maintenance.
  • Lawn care, snow removal, and all of the landscaping are all taken care of by the condo corporation.
  • You are also conveniently located amidst all the action of the city just steps outside your door.

Is this the lifestyle for you? If you won’t miss having private outdoor space that is all yours, a modern condo could be the perfect option. Many newer buildings offer beautiful grounds, rooftop decks, and even BBQs where you can enjoy an afternoon with friends and loved ones.

Old Versus New

Should you buy a brand new build or an established home full of character? Both present beautiful options and each has different aspects to consider. For example:

  • A brand new home offers state-of-the-art technology and energy efficiency. It likely comes with a Tarion warranty against manufacturing defects.
  • Plus, there’s just something thrilling about being the first to live there as you begin creating your homey touches.
  • On the other hand, new homes typically don’t have the established greenery and mature trees often associated with older neighbourhoods. 

If you have a taste for history, you might set your sights on an older heritage home, such as a classic Victorian or Colonial style. These residences are stately and timeless, and many have been beautifully maintained throughout the years.

  • You’ll also enjoy larger lot sizes with exquisite landscaping that has a particular appeal to outdoor lovers.
  • On the downside, an older home may need more repairs and renovations to keep it up to your standards. 

Want to know more about our buying services? Learn how we help you make your dreams a reality right here. 

Finalizing Interior Decisions

Have you decided where you would like your dream home to be? If so, congratulations. That is one of the most challenging steps for many home buyers. If you’ve also decided what kind of structure you’re looking for, you’re even closer to achieving your vision. 

Now, let’s think about what attributes you’d like in the house itself. As great as it would be to find something absolutely perfect from the get-go, it’s more realistic to accept that you will likely make some updates to your new home.

Keep in mind that the market can be competitive, and there are not always endless listings to choose from. Instead of finding “perfect,” refocus your energy on creating it. If you find a house that is structurally sound and has 90% of what you’re looking for, you can take care of the rest.

For example:

  • Imagine you love the kitchen overall but think that the backsplash leaves something to be desired.
  • Or the location is perfect and the house looks like something out of a magazine, except for the peeling paint on the front door.

Small flaws can have an emotional impact as you walk through. It’s surprising how easy it can be to walk away from a home that is otherwise perfect in every way. However, these are easy and inexpensive fixes to make. 

Are you thinking about upgrading your life by downsizing your home? You may enjoy Dreaming of Retiring on the Waterfront? The Kawarthas Are Calling!

An experienced real estate agent will help you stay objective as you visit potential listings so that you can spot those incredible opportunities.

One of the first things your Realtor® will suggest is to create a comprehensive wish list of everything you would love for your new home to have. Next, you’ll put a star beside those features that are an absolute must so you know what compromises you’re willing to make. Lastly, you’ll create a list of attributes that you’d like to avoid at all costs.

This is an excellent exercise that will clarify your vision of what you’re looking for. With your list in hand, you can start narrowing down your search for your new home.

Are you ready to take the next step toward upgrading your home? We are here to guide you through the entire process. Reach out today to team@willowsgroup.ca or call 1.888.926.2066 for more information.