The divorce is undoubtedly one of the most difficult stages in life a person can go through. It is a highly emotional experience that can lead to an emotional breakdown if not dealt with appropriately. For many people, one of the first steps toward recovery after a painful divorce is buying their own home. Saying “goodbye” to the old can set the beginning of a brand new life, as well as the first stage of the healing process.
Once you start “hunting” for a home, keep one very important thing in mind – you are looking for a place that YOU like. That’s the most important factor, as it is something you’re doing for yourself. You don’t need to comply with anyone else’s preferences. Of course, if you have children, you must also consider how they will feel about living in the new house. For example, buying a small one-bedroom apartment is probably not the best idea if you are planning to share it with two children.
Consider Your New Beginning
First of all, avoid any familiarity. After all, are you trying to start a new life or bring back memories of the past? Don’t replicate the style of your old home. A new start will be much easier if everything around you is unfamiliar, requiring you to adjust to a new environment. If you have kids, be sure to “consult” with them as well. After all, you will be sharing a home together, and for you to be happy, you need their input. Don’t be selfish.
When it’s time to choose the location, think about whether you’ll be able to find new friends and lead an interesting life there. Choose your location based on your interests. For example, if you want peace and quiet and enjoy activities like farming or reading, moving to the countryside might be a great option. However, this lifestyle tends to appeal more to retired people over the age of 60. If you are still relatively young, or simply feel that way, and want to socialize and meet new people to have fun with, you’ll likely prefer a larger city. That said, buying property in the center of a cosmopolitan city is not your only option. Just make sure that the area you choose has plenty of places for socializing – such as hobby clubs, gyms, bars, restaurants, cinemas, etc. depending on your interests.
Be realistic – at some point, you may want to start dating again. When that time comes, living in a more populated area will increase the chances of meeting a new significant other.
If you’re considering buying an apartment or house in an unfamiliar area, think about renting first. There’s always the possibility that the area won’t appeal to you. Also, keep in mind that this new home may not be your forever home, and at some point, you may decide to sell it. This makes it important to consider the saleability of the property. The house or apartment you buy should be easy to sell in the future, not something you’ll be stuck with forever. When buying, be cautious and pay attention to potential disadvantages – such as nearby railways, road noise, shared driveways, etc.
Be smart, and don’t make rash decisions. What you need and what you want may be two completely different things. If that’s the case, aim for the middle ground. Before making a decision, ask yourself questions like: Do I need a garage? How important is that enormous backyard? Finally, don’t target properties that are beyond your budget.
