5 House-hunting Tips for Newlyweds

House hunting is serious business, but it can also be an interesting adventure with your spouse. Does this unit fit your budget? Is it near your place of work? Is it safe? These are just some of the questions you usually ask yourselves as you go from one open house or showroom to another.

Here are some tips for newlyweds looking for a family home to call your own:

Put a premium on security

Is your target house or location safe enough for you to walk the streets at night? Is it equipped with ample security measures? A well-distributed and alert set of security guards, immediate access to a police station, and CCTV or monitoring technology are some of the things that you may want to have for a peaceful night's sleep.

Prioritize accessibility

With many developments sprawling outside Metro Manila, it is very tempting to quickly purchase a home from these thriving areas. However, it is important to still consider proximity to places you frequent. Assess how near this potential home is to your work, places of worship, hospitals and clinics, schools, commercial centers, and other locations you need to visit (say, your in-laws' house). Given how challenging commuting and driving in this country can be, traveling long distances can be impractical.

Check out the community

Aside from the physical features of the home, the quality of the community is also important. If you are keen on raising kids in the future, their environment can be made more nurturing if you establish good relationships with the neighbors, who can form part of your support system and social circle. Get a pulse of the community culture by taking a look at the local bulletin boards and newsletters.

Make allowances for upgrades

For now, a one-bedroom unit or house may be enough for you and your spouse. Later on, though, you may want to expand—perhaps convert the garage into another bedroom or add a small play area for your future kids. When looking for a home, try to think of potential improvements that you may want to do and see if the house or unit can accommodate these.

Buy a home within your means

Ultimately, the price tag is one of the most important considerations in your house-hunting journey. Can you afford the family home of your dreams? What are your options?

Purchasing a home using entirely cash is ideal, but do you have two to three million pesos readily available in your bank account? 

Realistically, taking out a loan is the better option when buying a home. Take advantage of financing options like the Security Bank home loan. Starting at 5.25%, its interest rates are some of the lowest in the market. It also lets you take out a loan that's up to 80% of the appraised value of the property you're eyeing. You can enjoy payment flexibility with Security Bank's Fantastic Elastic payment option, and with payment terms up to 20 years.  Even better, approval takes only five banking days.

Applying is easy—you can do it online. But first, find out if you qualify for a home loan by taking this easy online quiz. Once your application gets approved, you can expect the Security Bank team to be there for you every step of the way.  

Wondering how much you will have to pay each month? Security Bank also offers a nifty housing loan calculator on its website. Check it out and know more about the Security Bank home loan here.