30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals

30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals

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30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals

Posted: 16 Oct 2014 05:22 AM PDT

Marble has seen its fair share of creative handling and has become a favorite in many upscale residences throughout the years. Modern bathrooms can surprise you with materials and shapes you never though matched, but also with a fascinating suite of different types of marble cut and shaped into a myriad modern ways.

marble bathroom design ideas new 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals

In addition to the 30 Modern Bathroom Design Ideas For Your Private Heaven, we selected a handful of modern bathrooms that display an iconic material for luxury: marble. Richly veined or showcasing a contemporary straight line design, light-colored or dark-colored, this material oozes luxury and commitment to quality. Different kinds of marble give different moods and it depends on the artist’s vision and interpretation to create either stunning artistic statements or perfectly balanced spaces for personal hygiene.

30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals Marble bathrooms are not only decadently beautiful, but also an example for guests that good materials find their way back into our homes in every style. If you want to make the most of a marble bathroom design, appeal to a specialist who knows how to combine your ideas with the expansive world of possibilities out there.

30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 1 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals A highly modern marble bathroom design can showcase a very inspiring combination of horizontally-veined marble. The Marmara White marble (or Marmara Equator) is an unique type of marble featuring dark colored parallel veins and looks exquisite in a modern bathroom like the example above. You can make your home look and feel like a luxury hotel by emphasizing its elegance with marble. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 2 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals Inspiration for a luxury marble bathroom comes from different sources, like the one above seen in the Penthouse Suite Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto. Every detail decorating this fabulous bathroom adds depth and a sense of comfort. Candlelight and roses alongside fresh, puffy towels are something you’d want to see permanently in your bathroom. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 3 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals We’ve seen the creative snap-together marble tables that can definitely spruce up a space, and this spacious marble bathroom is yet another example of how marble can be used in modern homes. Make your bathroom feel like a spa with the helps of materials, space planning and details and always remember … to do it your way. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 4 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals This fantastic Melbourne residence showcases a stylish marble bathroom imagined having a set of rounded design lines on a marble background. Just one marble wall changes the overall design, adding depth and a focal point in a bathroom based on simplicity.  By adding dramatic lighting, the effect of design is enhanced and a cozy atmosphere emerges. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 5 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals Richly-veined marble in the bathroom can split the space like an artistic statement. By adding warm wooden cabinets, this effect is diluted into a warm and inviting feeling. The zebra art on the wall gives the space a wild feel, while the overall vibe is immersed in bright natural light. You’ll be surprised to see how many stunning details can be found in the luxurious penthouse this bathroom belongs to. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 6 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals The design of a contemporary oval bathtub can be beautifully exploited with the help of marble. This unique material is highly versatile and a black and white marble bathroom design might need a few wooden details to become warmer and more inviting. Adding some shelves and decorations upgrades the clean design and adds the owner’s perspective in the mix with the choice of decor. Just make sure you go over this 15 point checklist before starting your bathroom renovation. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 7 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals One of the 2014 trends for bathroom design is the use of marble and onyx slabs to create glamorous private spaces. Take as example this Harlem apartment’s bathroom imagined by designer Nicki Clendening. By mixing a killer-looking marble with inexpensive craft paper to decorate, the designer introduced an inspiring eclectic style. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 8 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals The Clearhouse in Shelter Island can be of great helps to those looking to adorn their home with colored marble. Since this home is almost transparent, the marble floor and walls in one of its bathrooms provides the owners with a deeply rewarding simplicity in design, privacy, quality and a luxurious environment.

30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 9 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals A marble bathroom separated from the bedroom by only a glass wall is not for everyone. Many people feel that privacy lacks in these spaces, but they have the power to undress you of preconceptions. This beautifully lit marble bathroom in this Lake House designed by architect Igor Sirotov serves as inspiration for those who prefer an open contemporary design. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 10 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals Marble bathroom design in soothing colors can be found in resorts, as well as private residences. The example above is from the interiors of the opulent Villa Kishti and it teaches us that spacious bathrooms can look amazing when dressed in marble by someone with an eye for detail. Relaxation and a good health are heavily influenced by the choice of materials, colors, patterns and light. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 11 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals A tranquil marble bathroom doesn’t need to be spacious to care for your every need. It just needs to be smart. You can make the most of your bathroom layout by placing the bathtub and shower close together. Use this infographic to navigate layout ideas and consider marble as the focus material – it’s amazing how this material can enhance your relaxation and tranquility! 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 12 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals Within a fantastic penthouse apartment in London, this marble bathroom above acts as a private retreat where the body receives the blessing of cleanliness. Dressed head-to-toe in marble and featuring a welcoming marble shower, this bathroom design incorporates a radiant design worthy of modern living. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 13 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals Marble bathroom insertions can definitely spice up your day. A play of materials helps define a sophisticated look, while the hidden and open storage spaces give the owner the possibility of carefully decorating the bathroom. An overcrowded design does no one good and it can interfere with the relaxation and coziness that should reign here. 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 14 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals

Marble bathrooms in darker colors can enhance the coziness effect and start you off with a smile. Designed by Canny, this chocolate marble bathroom design in Canterbury, Australia, surprises the need for a dark yet cozy and soothing private bathroom. Chocolate marble tiles and wooden furniture provide the natural visual background that beautifies your daily activities. So why not start each new day with a big smile on your face reflected in the bathroom mirror?

30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 15 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals Choose the right mirror for your bathroom and you will be transposed into a world of inspiring design that will reverberate in your everyday life. Choose the right materials to anchor your bathroom design in your dreams and you will be indulging in a fairy-tale of your own each day. Awaken your interiors with luxe details and you will be thankful you did. And remember that boldness wins many friends – a checkered marble floor is not only elegant, but also eye-catching.

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Luxury marble design can mean a fantastic combination of black, white and light. A round marble bathtub illuminating the space was placed against a light colored marble wall and surrounded by black marble. It looks surreal – imagine yourself immersed in warm water, a glass of champagne in one hand and flower petals gently dotting the foamy water – what a dream setting! And then there’s smart bathroom technology to consider when designing your dream bathroom – enjoy!

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An eclectic marble bathroom design is best enjoyed by those wild at heart. With an inspiration like the one above, we can all let ourselves dream about the perfect combination of materials and feelings. And don’t forget to incorporate scent in the bathroom – a soothing, relaxing mix of aromas that can relax your body and mind in the evening before bed and re-fresh you in the morning.

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Spacious white marble bathrooms come in many shapes defined by the choices made when decorating. Functionality is key, but design reign over the need to feel comfortable. Heated marble floors ensure coziness and visual pleasure while the bright natural light reflectingin the mirrors exposes the eye to an inspiring mix of details. British architectural studio SHH was responsible for this project and they did a fantastic job in every corner of the Addison Road House.

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Spa bathrooms are one of the 10 must-have things luxury home buyers want most. One look at the marble-decorated bathroom above and you will understand that there are as many bathroom designs as there are dreamers. Imagined by Thompson Custom Homes for one of their clients, this bathroom is simply stunning!

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When it comes to feminine marble bathrooms, colors and details make a space welcoming. Marble countertops can be that detail that changes the atmosphere – grey and white Cararra marble looks amazing in this plantation-style estate in Atlanta. You’ll surely find inspiration for your dream marble bathroom, so take a close look at the details in each photo.

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Vibrancy and elegance mix together to result in a dynamic and refreshing bathroom design in the example above. Marble details, modern design lines and sleek furnishings make this Trousdale home‘s master bathroom look inviting, while the giant windows flood the space with sunshine. Who doesn’t love sunshine in the bathroom?

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If you’re looking for a striking display of marble in your bathroom, the example above will serve you well. It’s part of the Project 910 by Kiko Salomão – an astounding apartment in São Paulo, Brazil. Bold-colored details like a simple and sophisticated bunch of bright flowers break the monotony of a marble-encrusted bathroom design.

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Then there is the all-marble bathroom design – a spacious place where privacy is highly valued, like in this Seacombe Grove House by b.e architecture. A skylight ensures natural light floods the bathtub while the marble seems to capture a still moment of sophistication. The oversized bathroom mirror ensures the space is well lit and there is plenty of room to admire yourself in the privacy of a stunning modern bathroom.

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A free-standing bathtub near a marble wall could be just the thing you need to spruce up your bathroom design. Take example from the Skyline House by Dick Clark Architecture and create a cozy, inspiring private heaven to infuse you with energy for the whole day. Then, at night, enjoy a hot bath in your customized spa-styled marble bathroom.

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A marble-detailed bathroom with filtered natural light flooding its darkest corners might be just the thing you were looking for to keep you relaxed and joyful. This two-story penthouse on the Lower East Side in Manhattan proves that comfort in the city includes a fabulous bathroom design. All those reflecting surfaces create a cheerful play of light.

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Another example of a luxurious bathroom dressed in marble and wood comes to shine light on your decisions. Wood bathroom shelves captured in marble niches not only look good, but are also highly functional: towels, decorations or flower vases help liven up the space and allow you to play with colors and textures. Large windows help lighten up the space, while the altitude of the apartment allows full transparency.

30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas 27 30 Marble Bathroom Design Ideas Styling Up Your Private Daily Rituals If your bathroom is small and you want to make it more functional, use creativity when it comes to the layout. Luscious materials like marble can upgrade the feel of even a compact bathroom, details can shape a modern space and you will be glad to have invested in a fabulous material with a wide range of applications.

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A mix of concrete and marble targets a more dramatic and industrial feel. When lit through a skylight, the bathroom opens up to reveal details otherwise hidden behind artificial lighting during the day. Seen in Villa Extramuros in Alto-Alentejo, Portugal, this concrete and marble bathroom stands as proof that two cold materials can create an inviting setting.

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Displaying either fine veins or large details that shape depth, modern marble bathrooms surprise the essence of luxury. In order to keep this space private, use different types of transparency levels to hide from indiscreet eyes or install roman blinds for extra privacy when needed, like in the example above.

Whenever you find yourself in need of inspiration on how a modern marble bathroom could look like, just come back and bring your friends with you. And if our list made you feel at least a bit more relaxed, we couldn’t be happier and we invite you to keep scrolling through another royally-inspired list of 40 Stunning Bedrooms Flaunting Decorative Canopy Beds.

Enjoy and let us know which one is your very favorite!

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Spacious Family Home Inspired By the Birth of Their First Child

Posted: 16 Oct 2014 01:38 AM PDT

V House by Agraz Arquitectos Spacious Family Home Inspired By the Birth of Their First Child

The family’s first child entered the world as the construction of his future home was well underway. Spreading over three levels, this modern family home known as the V House sums up 354 square meters organized around a central staircase. This important design element was imagined as pivoting the whole floor plan. Agraz Arquitectos imagined the spacious family home in Puerta Plata, Zapopan, Mexico, as a collection of spaces inspiring the new family’s next step: “The birth of the first child of this family is what generated the direction to try to have the house, stage of family life, remain present in the memories of this small child as the context of laughter and joy, and everything that will form a memorable childhood in this house.”

V House by Agraz Arquitectos 1 Spacious Family Home Inspired By the Birth of Their First Child

Photographed by Mito Covarrubias, the home showcases a floor plan imagined for a growing family. The ground floor is divided between a studio with a bathroom looking out the main facade, which can be used as family room and occasionally as guest room and the separate kitchen and an additional bathroom. Here, the open floor plan extends to the garden and covered deck in the backyard. In the architects’ words, the home encourages a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor:  “A space for the dining room with a large window that serves to showcase and enjoy the garden, and a separate structure that extends to accommodate a deck that makes the public area a kind of transition between inside and outside, between natural and artificial. This terrace also allows a joyful daytime use of these areas as it is ideal for gatherings with family and friends.”

V House by Agraz Arquitectos 2 Spacious Family Home Inspired By the Birth of Their First Child

For a complete modern living experience, the floor-plan was inverted, boasting the family space upstairs:  “The staircase, designed as a vertical axis, leads to the third level, onto a family or TV room. At this level, the front facade is reserved for the master bedroom, dressing room and bathroom, protected from solar radiation by a metal lattice, which is a piece by the artist Adrian Guerrero and born from a base which in turn has another sculpture from the same author. And the south facade houses two bedrooms with bathrooms.” On the basement level, the cars have a good shelter accompanied by utility rooms and cellars.

What else would you add to make this home perfect for your own family?

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Norway’s New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide

Posted: 15 Oct 2014 11:46 AM PDT

Snøhetta Design Beauty of Boundaries. Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide

Obverse side: Snøhetta Design, Beauty of Boundaries.

Following a competition for the design of motifs for Norway’s new banknote series this spring, the winners were announced by Norges Bank as a duo working together to shape the nation’s new banknote design for its release in 2017. “Norges Bank has decided that a combination of two proposals submitted will go on for further work. The obverse sides of the notes will be developed on the basis of the proposal from The Metric System, Norwegian Living Space. The basis of the reverse sides will be the pixel motifs submitted by Snøhetta Design, Beauty of Boundaries.”

Proposals for Norway’s new banknotes has taken the spotlight with an enticing blend of modern technology art and the country’s deep connection to the sea. The winning design will be “the artistic basis of the new banknote series and communicate the theme “The Sea” in an appropriate manner.”

The Metric System Norwegian Living Space1 Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide

Reverse side: The Metric System, Norwegian Living Space

According to Norges Bank’s press-release, the competition seemed to have ended when Enzo Finger was selected as the winner: “Eight participants were selected by a group of experts to take part in the final round of the competition. The jury has comprised five external professionals and one member from the Bank. They have concluded that two proposals stand out: Ripple Effects by Enzo Finger, and Norwegian Living Space by The Metric System and Terje Tønnessen. The jury has selected Enzo Finger’s proposal as the winner of the competition and is of the opinion that this proposal communicates the theme in a surprising way with considerable artistic flair.” But then Norges Bank changed their minds and co-awarded the commission to The Metric System and Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta.

Design can infiltrate every aspect of our lives, making it more beautiful and meaningful. How do you think Norway’s new banknotes will influence people when they’re released in 2017?

We’d love to hear your perspective on this, so drop us a line or two and enjoy some more entries from the competition:

Norway's new banknotes Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design WorldwideThese are proposals from The Metric System:

 Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide  Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide  Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide  Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide  Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide

And these are proposals from Snøhetta Design:

Proposal from snohetta Norways New Banknotes Will Refresh Monetary Design Worldwide

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10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Posted: 15 Oct 2014 08:01 AM PDT

Tudor exterior 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Who wouldn’t want to come home to this?  Image Via: Markay Johnson Construction

There's nothing quite like the feeling of putting your keys in the door at the end of the long day and knowing that the property belongs to you. Homeownership affords you the ability to completely customize a home to fit your needs and personal style, all while building equity. Who could blame you for wanting to buy as soon as possible?

But while the idea of buying a property is a very attractive proposition, it's also sizable commitment. When done at the right time and for the right reasons, the benefits of owning a home far outweigh the risks. But, if you're not ready, that purchase could have serous consequences for your lifestyle and finances. No one likes to think about bankruptcy and foreclosure, but they are an unfortunate reality for many.

How do you know if you're ready? While nothing is ever a guarantee there are a few simple characteristics that qualified buyers share. Here are 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process. Think long and hard about these questions. Do a little research and, if you feel comfortable with your answers, take the next step in reaching out to a real estate professional. You'll be holding the keys to a property in no time at all.

capital hlll rennovation 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Look at your finances before checking out listings. Image Via: Laurie Carron Architect, AIA I LEED GA

How Do Your Finances Look? – Be Honest.

There's no hiding your finances once you start the home buying process. As soon as you sign contracts, banks, mortgage companies, title companies, and realtors will be going through your finances with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that you really do have the ability to purchase the property. You don't want any surprises at that point, so it's best to take a long, hard look now before you find your dream home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, here  are some factors that financial institutions look at when they approve a purchase:

  • Your Income: Do you make the same amount every month or does it vary? A consistent income is preferable since it is indicative of your ability to pay the mortgage each month.
  • Your Employment History: Have you had a stable job for a while or are you always jumping from gig to gig? Banks prefer that buyers have at least two years with the same company.
  • Your Debt: Do you have student loans, a car payment, multiple credit card balances? While most places expect that you will have some amount of debt, too much is a red flag.
  • Your Credit History: Are there any late payments or delinquencies? Are you working on paying down your debt? Essentially, when banks give you a mortgage they are taking a gamble that you'll pay them back. If you can't pay off smaller loans, it's unlikely that they will take that chance.
  • Your Savings: The ability to make a down payment is essential to buying a home. Ideally, you'll want to put down 20% of the purchase price. Plus, have a bit of money left over to cover any supplemental costs like inspections.

If you're finances aren't perfect right now, don't worry. You can always work towards making them better. Do your best to find a stable job and stay there for a few years. Make your credit card and loan payments on time each month and pay as much above the minimum payment as possible. Take a small portion of each paycheck and set it aside to start growing your savings. It may take a bit to see drastic results, but these habits will help your finances grow. 

craftsman house exterior 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

How much you can pay versus how much you feel comfortable paying is an important decision. Image Via: Sheffield Construction Company, Inc.

How Much Are You Comfortable Paying Per Month?

When you go to a mortgage company, they will take a look at your financial history, do some calculations, and give you a pre-approval for a certain amount of money. This amount is the maximum that they would feel comfortable loaning to you.That number may look attractive now since it affords you the ability to look at homes in a higher price range.

But remember: That higher price range also comes with a high monthly payment. A high monthly payment is a trade off. In order to make that payment you may have to cut back on incidental spending like going on vacations, going out to eat, and buying the latest tech gadgets. If you don't want to give up those luxuries, it may be worth it to look in lower your price range to give yourself a little breathing room.

Sit down and take a look at how much you spend each month. Create a home budget that you are comfortable with and play around with the amounts of money allocated for payments versus pleasure. When you find a number that feels comfortable, keep it in mind as a goal when discussing mortgage payments.

traditional dining room 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Be patient when discussing whose names will go on the deed. Image Via: Rethink Design Studio

Whose Names Will Go On The Deed?

At settlement, you will be asked to signed the deed for your new home. It's a document that transfers the ownership of and financial responsibility for the property from the seller to the buyer. If you are considering buying a property with another person – whether they are a parent, spouse, or friend – you should have a discussion about whose name(s) will go on the deed before starting your search.

There are many reasons for an unconventional deed. If your income is lower, you may want to ask a parent to be your cosigner, so that you can look in higher price range. In cases where one partner is self-employed, it may be beneficial to have the other person be the sole name on the deed in order to protect your assets if there is ever a lawsuit.

This is unquestionably an emotionally charged and often difficult discussion. Handle it with care and respect the other person's thoughts and feelings. But, it's better to get it out of the way now. When mortgage representatives look at how much to pre-approve a buyer for, they only consider the income of the person or persons going on the deed. So, if you are considering an outside-of-the-box signing arrangement, you need to be clear on what it is before you start looking at homes that you may not be able to afford.

farmhouse exterior 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Your ideal location is important to consider when thinking of buying. Image Via: Fredendall Building Company

Do You Prefer The Country or City?

The phrase "Location, location, location" is a cliché for a reason. While you can always remodel an older kitchen, decide to finish a basement, or add on a deck, your home's location is the one feature that you can't really change. Keeping that in mind, it's important to have a solid idea of where you'd like to be before you start looking at listings. Some people may know exactly, but if you don't, start with this question: Would you be happiest in the city, country, or in the suburbs?

Each area has its pros and cons. City living is great for those looking to enjoy close proximity to shops and restaurants, but price tags tend to be high for comparatively little space. A house in the country will give you room to spread out, but you have to be okay with the idea of a long commute to work. The suburbs offer a middle ground, but your surroundings may be less unique.

You don't necessarily have to limit yourself to one area. Do some googling and research different areas. If you find a couple you like, don't hesitate to explore them on your day off. Try to picture yourself living there on a day-to-day basis: think about things running errands and how you'd spend your weekends.

colonial exterior 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Make a list of the home features that are absolutely essential. Image Via: Cornerstone Architects

What Are Your Absolute Must-Haves In A Home?

Brace yourself: We are about to share the most controversial truth in the home buying process. No home will ever be 100% perfect for you. At least not from the moment you sign the deed. Every property is going to come with a certain amount of compromise.

Once you start actively looking at listings, you'll likely find some homes in your price range and desired location, but that require a little fixing up. Other homes will have all the features you desire, but come with a higher monthly payment. With this in mind, before you even looking at potential properties, it's important to take stock of the things that are your must-haves. Do you require a certain number of bedrooms? Is it critical to keep your kids in their current school district? Are you absolutely, positively unable to go above a certain monthly payment?

When you sit down with a real estate agent, these factors will give them a good idea of where to start your search. Using these criteria, he or she will be able to weed through all of the available properties on the market and handpick the listings that work for you, which will save you both time and energy.

kitchen view 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Use a list of must-have features to determine what you need in a home. Image Via: Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects LLP

What Features Are On Your Wish List?

Now that you know what you truly need in a home, you can move on to the fun part: your wish list. These are the things that, while they wouldn't make or break your decision to buy a property, may help you pick one listing over another once you start looking.

Would you like an updated kitchen since you do a lot of cooking and baking? Would it be nice to have a fenced-in yard for your pets? Are you a fan of older homes with tons of charm? When it comes to the items on this list, be flexible.

Keep in mind that while these features would be nice to have from the get-go, since you're planning on staying in the property for the foreseeable future, you can always add them later on.

indoor outdoor pool 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Any features that you’d like to avoid are also worth noting. Image Via: Arc Design Group

Are There Any Characteristics You'd Like To Stay Away From?

As important as it is to know what you want in a home, having an idea of what you don't want can be just as defining. But, as with the features on your must-have list, try to focus on things about the property that cannot be easily altered.

Are you opposed to living on a highly-trafficked road? Do you have reservations about maintaining a pool? Is there a particular neighborhood that you'd prefer to stay away from?

Again, consider these when deciding if you're ready to buy, but don't be afraid to be open. It's okay to have one or two of these characteristics, but if you rack up too many, you may be limiting yourself in terms of possibilities.

lush backyard landscaping 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Be honest about how much work you’re willing to put into a property. Image Via: SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction

How Much Maintenance Can You Handle?

It's easy to picture yourself embracing the fun aspects of owning a home: shopping for furniture, hosting parties in your backyard, and enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with having your own space. But, in addition to all those positive qualities, there is also a lot of upkeep. 

Be honest with yourself about how much maintenance you're able (and willing) to do. That fix-upper may have a lower price initially, but make sure you factor in the cost of repairs. A big lawn sounds like a nice feature, but it also comes along with lots of grass that needs to be cared for. Massive rooms look nice, but rack up even larger heating bills during the colder months.

If enjoy the idea of working on weekend projects, don't hesitate to scope out an investor special. But, if the idea of dealing with maintenance without calling a landlord scares you, look into buying a condo or town home. 

contemporary exterior 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Before buying, take a few minutes to envision the future. Image Via: Giulietti Schouten Architects

Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?

It seems obvious, but bears repeating that home ownership is much more permanent than renting. You can't just wait for a lease to run out if there are aspects of the property that you don't like.

With that in mind, you have to focus not only on features that work for you in the present moment, but will also make sense later on down the road. Real estate expert, Michael Corbett, recommends looking at a five-year span of time. Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you think you'll still be working at the same company? Are you looking towards getting married or growing a family?

You may find that your prospective changes as you answer these questions. While a bustling urban lifestyle might seem ideal right now, that ultra-modern loft will be a lot smaller with a new baby sharing the space. If you're not sure what your career path will look like in a few years, consider waiting for a while before you put down such permanent roots.

southern exterior 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting In The Home Buying Process

Are you looking for an investment property or your forever home? Image Via: Nicholson Builders

What Do You Intend To Do With The Property?

The short answer to this question is, of course, to live in it. But, allow yourself to think a little deeper. Are you looking for a starter home that will enable you to build equity? Could you see yourself investing in the property, fixing it up, and then renting it out for a secondary income? Or, do you intend for this home to be the place where you and your spouse grow old together?

Knowing how you want to use the property will help to focus your eventual home search. If you're looking for a property that will eventually serve as an investment, aim for a busier area that will appeal to lots of renters. Whereas, you're aiming for a home that will grow old with you, stick to a size, layout, and location that you can see yourself being happy with for years to come.

The decision to buy a home is not one that should be made lightly. If you're ready to make the commitment, owning a home has many benefits. But, if you jump into the market too soon, the purchase can leave you with personal and financial heartbreak. As yourself these questions to get a better picture of whether or not you're ready to take the plunge.

Potential buyers, are there any questions that you want answered? Homeowners, are there any questions you'd like to add?

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