First-time home buyers evaluating long-term needs and future plans while choosing a home in Salmon Arm, BC

First-Time Home Buyer Series – Step 5: Think Beyond “Right Now” (Future You Will Thank You)

By Leanne Mollica, Mortgage Broker – My Mortgage Strategy, Salmon Arm BC

Buying your first home is exciting — but it’s also easy to fall in love with “right now” and forget to think about what life will look like 5 or 10 years down the road.

Here’s the truth:
Moving is expensive.
Not just the U-Haul and takeout for your friends — the real costs add up quickly:

  • Realtor commissions
  • Legal fees
  • Transfer taxes
  • Moving expenses
  • Cleaning and staging
  • Repairs
  • Mortgage penalties

Even if you sell for a profit, it’s shockingly easy for 10% of your home’s value to vanish with each move.

The fewer times you move, the more wealth you keep.

That’s why thinking long-term is one of the smartest things a first-time buyer can do.

Planning to Grow Your Family? Think Ahead.

If kids may be part of your future — even if it’s a “maybe someday” scenario — factor that into your home search.

Ask yourself:

  • How many kids do you actually hope to have?
  • Can they share rooms now and spread out later?
  • Are there safety concerns (stairs, lofts, balcony railings, old windows)?
  • Is there a yard or a park nearby?
  • Are there noise, zoning, or neighborhood considerations?
  • Are there condo age restrictions? (Yes — these still exist!)

Choosing a home that can grow with your family can save you from an expensive upgrade a few years down the road.

Consider Accessibility & Lifestyle Change

Life changes — bodies change — and what feels fun at 27 might not feel quite so fun at 37.

Think about:

  • Stairs
  • Long driveways
  • Rural living requiring constant driving
  • Big yards that require upkeep
  • Narrow hallways or small bathrooms
  • Mobility needs (now or future)
  • Aging parents who may need to stay with you

A property that fits your lifestyle today might feel overwhelming or impractical later.

Your Exit Strategy (A Little Morbid… But Very Practical)

Even if you adore the home, life has a way of surprising us.

Ask yourself:

  • How easy will this home be to sell later?
  • Does it appeal to a broad range of buyers?
  • Does it check the “typical buyer” boxes (layout, parking, location, size)?
  • Is anything about it too unique?
    (Hot tubs in the living room, spaceship-themed bedrooms, backyard bowling lanes… You’d be surprised.)

A strong exit strategy is key to protecting your future self — and your future equity.

Future-Proof Your Decision With These Questions

Before you commit to a property, pause and ask:

✔️ Will this home still work if my family grows (kids, pets, partners)?
✔️ Will it support my lifestyle if mobility or health change?
✔️ Is there space for my hobbies, home office, or side hustle?
✔️ Could I love this home for years, or will it feel too small / too big / too remote too soon?
✔️ Would the next buyer find this home appealing?

Future-proofing your purchase doesn’t mean overthinking — it means being smart about the long-term investment you’re making.

Next Step in the Series:

Your Final Checklist + One Last Insider Tip to Help You Win Your Offer.

Stay tuned — or if you’re already feeling overwhelmed and want help sorting through your options, I’m here anytime.

Need Help Mapping Out Your Long-Term Homeownership Plan?

Let’s build a mortgage strategy that fits today and future you.

📲 250-300-2008
📧 leanne@mymortgagestrategy.ca
🌐 MyMortgageStrategy.ca
📍 Serving Salmon Arm, the Shuswap, the Okanagan & all of BC

Turning Home Ownership Dreams Into Reality

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