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Homebuyers are often quick to fall in love with a showhome's dazzling decor and incredible finishings but then day-to-day life takes over.
We decided to ask the experts: Aside from the chic accessories and fancy finishings, how do I decide what floor plan will suit my needs?
Many new homebuyers forget to imagine their own furniture in a home, which can cause a lot of headaches and hassle, says Sabal Crafted Homes marketing manager Chris Lu.
"Make sure you look closely at the room sizes. While the great room may seem huge in a showhome, pay attention to the dimensions. You have to consider your own furniture."
Aside from your present furniture, you should also look to the future.
"Maybe you are a young couple with no children, so a two-bedroom is perfect for now, but what about down the road? Are you planning on staying in this home for a while? Do you shop at Costco? If so, you might need more storage room," says Lu.
Examine your daily routine to ensure the floor plan is functional.
"If you are an early riser, you might want a walk-in closet in your ensuite so that you don't disturb your partner.
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In a showhome, perhaps the arch of the ensuite looks fantastic but isn't very practical for getting ready without waking anyone, so you might want to add a door."
Your lifestyle is definitely the key to choosing the floorplan, says Aaron Brown, sales manager for Landmark Homes.
"If you enjoy entertaining, choosing a floorplan with a more open main floor allows you to flow easily from an eating area, sitting area, and preparation area."
Today's homebuyer is paying more attention to the media room and bonus areas of the home, says Brown.
"We're finding more and more people are developing a strong multimedia presence in their homes, and are looking for rooms that are more enclosed. The open, bonus room concept for those into multimedia experiences may not be well-suited. However, if you have younger children, this idea would work well. You can keep an ear on your children while still entertaining."
Stay flexible with your plans and discuss your needs with your salesperson.
"Keep in mind that sometimes your wishes may end up out of proportion with your budget. Make sure to itemize your list of desires based upon importance because you may not be able to achieve all of your wishes due to budget or other constraints."