Buying a home for the first time is a daunting experience. A lot goes into finding the right area, space and price point that suits your needs. And then there’s the investment factor.
You might not be thinking of your new home as an investment. It’s your first place, and you want to live there forever. This is where you’ll raise your kids, this is where you’ll entertain friends, this is where you’ll grow old. So why should you think of your home in terms of the money it could make you, if you have no intention of ever selling it?
Because things change, and you could be presented with an unmissable opportunity in a different country. Or your kids might get into a good school in a different neighbourhood. Or you might just want to leave a legacy for them when your time finally comes.
That means that even though you should be treating your home like a home, you should also be working to turn it into a top-notch asset. Here are some things to consider if you’re looking for both.
You’re young.
If you’re a first-time home buyer, chances are you’re under 40. That means you might be a bit restricted in terms of what you can afford to buy. As your finances and lifestyle needs change and grow, your home will need to grow as well. So readjust the way you think about this place, because selling it to upgrade your life may become something you really want to do.
Read more: First time home buyers guide
Location is key.
You must have heard this by now, but it bears repeating. The worst place in the best location still has the potential to become a solid investment, and spending less on the purchase means you’ll have more money left over for renovations.
Speaking of renovations…
Be mindful of everything you change, paint over, rip up, add on, etc. Pinterest isn’t just for moms, and it’s a great way to stay on top of home decor trends. Do some research to find a timeless look that will endure. Stay away from garish paint colours (green and orange walls do not mesh well, in any universe) and funky tile designs. When in doubt, stick to neutral tones that will age well, and entice potential future investors rather than put them off.
See more: How to avoid overspending on home renovations
Can you rent it out?
If renting your property is something you might want to do one day, look into the type of renter you want to attract. AirBnB is a great way to make quick cash, but will your body corporate allow it? Are short-term rentals possible, or are your home and area appealing enough for a long-term renter? When buying, consider how close you are to amenities, schools, religious buildings and tourist attractions, as this will affect how successful your potential renter quest will be.
Can your home generate income while you’re living in it?
There are loads of different ways to make your home work for you, even while you live there. You could start a home-based business and claim portions of your expenses back from tax, you could rent out rooms, you could rent out storage space, you could turn your garden into a fruit & veg patch and sell to locals. It takes a little creativity, and a good look into the opportunities your property can provide.
And while we’re on the topic of making money, there are ways to turn even your home expenses into opportunities to create wealth. With Indie, simply buying a life insurance policy (which is something you definitely need to do when buying a home) can earn you some money.
Indie Finale would be the perfect product for first-time home buyers, especially if you’ve got a home loan and dependants. They’ll cover you without any fuss, and you can sign up online in less than 10 minutes. But the best part is the Indie Wealth Bonus. It’s a growing investment that comes with any Indie policy, for free. They match up to 100% of your monthly premium into an investment account on your behalf, and it keeps growing until you’re 70, at which point you can cash out and enjoy your millions. Even if you’re not keen on waiting until then, you can cash out 10% of the invested amount every 5 years to spend on whatever you want. The only catch is that you have to stick with Indie until then!
So good luck, invest wisely in your home and your future beyond your home, and check out Indie for cover that will grow your wealth as well: www.indiefin.com