Deciding where to live is more than just a practical exercise — it’s a deeply personal and emotional journey that reflects our values, aspirations and sense of belonging.
At its core, this decision shapes not only where we lay our heads at night but also how we live, work and connect with the world around us.
But for many people, choosing a place to live can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety due to a fear of making the wrong choice or leaving behind cherished memories. So, with your happiness at stake, how do you do you go about separating your wants from your needs during the home selection process?
We consulted with two local real estate experts, Kim Sheen, broker at Kim Sheen Properties Bermuda, and Sallyann Smith, managing director at The Property Group, to get their thoughts on how to navigate Bermuda’s challenging real estate market conditions.
First-time buyers or renters
Asking colleagues and friends for recommendations is an obvious place to start, but Mrs Sheen does not believe this will really help you decide where you would be happiest because most people will tell you that you need to live as close to Hamilton as possible.
She said everyone should drive around “to see for themselves what areas would fit their lifestyle best, and perhaps even rent an Airbnb in the areas they are considering in order to get a good feel of the neighbourhood”.
Balance emotions with practicalities
Each time you view a property, take the time to make a list of pros and cons and weigh up what you really need (or don’t need).
“Emotional appeal can be very important to many buyers,” Mrs Smith said. “However, functionality plays a big part and needs to be considered.”
In other words, if the house is aesthetically pleasing, that’s one thing – but if it only has one bathroom and you know you need two, then you have to make sure there is room to add one on.
A home is more than just a physical space: it embodies comfort, security and the milestones that shape our lives, so selecting a neighbourhood that resonates with your identity and lifestyle is very important.
You also need to consider factors such as safety, commute times and long-term financial implications.
“Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage so that you know what you can afford to spend. Then focus on the essentials including size, location, layout and budget. If the property meets your foundational requirements, you can often adjust or enhance features over time to align with your preferences,” Mrs Sheen said.
“However, keep in mind that rising costs of building supplies and renovations can make such changes expensive.”
What else should you consider?
“Buyers can often overextend themselves, so it is better to be cautious and be certain that you can afford your mortgage and expenses comfortably,” Mrs Smith said.
“You can move up the ladder eventually by selling and purchasing something bigger, once your wages have increased or you have had time to renovate your property, so that it sells for a decent profit, enabling you to purchase an upgrade down the line.
“Real estate is one of the best investments you can make, however you need to be cautious and do your homework.
“A structural survey is often good advice, to be sure the property is in good condition and doesn’t have any hidden issues that could be costly.”
As part of your overall assessment of the property, Mrs Sheen recommended asking yourself questions such as: Will the resale value be affected by the neighbourhood? Will you be safe in a hurricane at this location? Does the layout work for your needs? Will you be able to add on if your family grows?
Suiting your future needs
Choosing a place to live is often tied to our current hopes and dreams for the future but life, as they say, has a way of surprising us. So it’s best to take a long-range view of the horizon whether you are starting a family, relocating for work or transitioning to retirement.
“Always think five to ten years in advance,” Mrs Sheen said.
“Will a larger home or yard become too time-consuming or expensive to maintain as life gets busier? Or if you are placing to age in place, is it all one level with no stairs? How far will you be from the pharmacy or the grocery store if you don’t have transportation?”
Mrs Smith agreed.
“Evaluating a property depends on where you are in life. Some people will buy a house with a good piece of land attached with a view to housing their aging parents or installing a pool sometime down the road,” she said.
“Others, who are older, may consider downsizing to a condo because the maintenance will be looked after by the development for an additional monthly fee.”
The value of experience
Mrs Sheen said: “As experienced professionals, we wear many hats: negotiators, problem-solvers, advisors and even psychologists.
“Our goal is to save you time, money and stress. A truly great real estate agent serves as both your guide and your partner, presenting a balanced perspective and empowering you to make decisions that align with your needs and aspirations.”
Choosing where to live is as much about the heart as it is about practicality. By prioritising your needs, staying objective about your wants and seeking expert guidance, you can transform what might feel like an overwhelming decision into a rewarding next step in life.
For more information, email Kim Sheen [email protected] or Sallyann Smith [email protected]
