Homeownership is a dream for most people, but isn’t the easiest decision to reach alone. And while two heads are better than one, it’s far from simple when buying as a couple as well.
From key aspects like location and property type, to finer details like wall color and the type or wood or tile the floors ought to have, there are many things to agree upon or at least reach a compromise about.
The following are some tips to help make the process a little more seamless, if not even a bit enjoyable.
First things first, no surprises
As spontaneous and romantic as it seems, buying a new home as a surprise only works in the movies. So unless you are a billionaire with millions in disposable income, never buy property without your spouse’s consent. At best, you end up with a property that they may not be too thrilled about but is still valuable enough to re-sell and make a profit off of, at worst, you’re stuck with a place that you can’t get rid of and your spouse still also doesn’t like.
So, no matter how much you have in common as a couple, it will be important for you to be in constant communication throughout the real estate process to best ensure you end up with a home that is both to your liking. With that said…
Discuss your budget
Buying a home is a major financial commitment, and it is well-known how money (or the discussion of it) is one of the most volatile aspects of relationships. Overspending is an effective way to be in constant disagreement, so it will be important to always remain within what both of you can afford.
Determine what your buying power is as a couple by carefully considering your individual finances. Along with your incomes, also take into account existing debt and savings when mapping out your home buying budget, and consider what adjustments you have to make in order to still maintain much of your lifestyles not only as you buy a new property, but also as you subsequently spend on it in the foreseeable future.
Establish a list of ‘must-haves’
Although you surely are close enough to know most of each other’s preferences, it is still beneficial to have an open discussion about both of your ‘must-haves’ in a home. A great way to start is by each making individual lists of everything your ideal home would have. Then, categorize the items in your lists into needs and wants. Compare notes when you’re both done.
Your lists will likely coincide, but there might be a few ways in which they also differ, such as how items are categorized. For example, a parking space might not be as essential to you, but is preferred by your partner as he/she may also have the opportunity to acquire a vehicle at work. Knowing these can lead to a more in-depth discussion, and help you prioritize what’s really important as a couple.
Apply for home financing
Even if you were buying a home as an individual, it is advised that you apply for a home loan to not only successfully buy property, but also initially get a clearer picture of the type of real estate you can actually afford. This is doubly true when buying as a couple, since your combined incomes may be able to afford you more and it will be good to know what that exact figure is.
Applying for home financing will also give you an idea of how your finances might look for the foreseeable future. Knowing the exact figures of what you’ll both be paying on a monthly basis should you proceed with buying a home will allow for better financial planning,
Don’t spend more than you can afford
Agreeing on budget and sticking to it can’t be stressed enough, as financial woes can really test any couple’s relationship. One big financial woe? Being house poor. While owning the greatest possible home is, well, great, living in it may not be as enjoyable if you and your spouse have to sacrifice so many other aspects of your life just to be able to pay for it.
So it is very important to stay within your budget, and not fall into the trap of being too confident about being able to manage the increased costs of buying a bigger home just because there are two of you that will be paying. If you feel that you’ll outgrow the home that you can afford, keep in mind that you can always sell it later or earn from it by renting it out.
Allow the home buying process to bring you closer
There will surely be many other things you’ll work together on, but arguably less than a handful of these would be as big of a deal as buying a new home in the Philippines. Suffice to say, since it is important to take your time with this process, you might as well also allow the experience to bring you closer as a couple.
As you learn more about the different properties currently in the market, and figure how you’ll eventually push through with the home purchase, you’ll concurrently learn more about what you both find important in a home not just at the moment, but also in the long-term. So take this time to discover current home goals, those for the long term, and even establish new ones together.
Ready to take one of the biggest steps in your journey as a couple? Visit the Ohmyhome property investments page to view the best and latest homes for sale in the Philippines!
Make sure to not miss out on the newest houses and lots and condominiums as they hit the market! Download the official Ohmyhome app and view properties with your partner anytime and from almost anywhere!
Ohmyhome was launched in the Philippines in September 2020, following the company’s establishment of a tech team in the country in 2017. Ohmyhome was originally founded in 2016, and subsequently rose in Singapore as a leading PropTech solution and licensed real estate agency.
Ohmyhome expanded into the Philippines so that Filipino home seekers can have a real estate partner that they can trust to have their best interests at heart and can be relied upon to provide exceptional services throughout the entire property journey.
Featuring thousands of properties across many of the Philippines’ major real estate brands, Ohmyhome differs from other local platforms by going the extra mile and extensively helping buyers narrow down the choices and find the property that best suits their budgets, home needs, and lifestyle preferences.
The company’s Real Estate Agents not only help in the shortlisting of options but also provide professional services through the entire purchasing process. These include assistance in property inspections, negotiations, the finalization of the Conditions of Sale, deposit collection, the submission of property documents, as well as providing buyers regular updates.
Ohmyhome helps Filipinos find their dream homes, all while making sure each real estate transaction is complete and is an efficient and enjoyable experience.
