Tips for Finding a Home Fit for Entertaining

Are you the designated holiday host? If you're known for your dinner parties, you need a home that's as equipped as you are to handle all those hungry guests. Today, the Kepecz-Hays Team recommends that you look for key features that make entertaining easier when you start your new home search.

Rooms to Look For

Looking for a functional structure with the rooms and entertaining areas you want is essential. You can spruce up an outdated home as long as it has a good structure. Some rooms to consider include:

• Large kitchen. A spacious kitchen with lots of counter space for food prep makes entertaining easier.
• Pantry. You also need plenty of space to store food for your parties.
• Open entryway. Look for a home with a large entryway that can easily accommodate lots of guests arriving at the same time.
• Spare bedroom. If you host overnight guests frequently, look for homes with one extra bedroom just for guests.
• Powder room. An easily accessible powder room is perfect for guests.

Preparing for Business

If you plan to operate your business out of your home, you’ll want to make sure you have a separate space dedicated to work that can’t be interfered with by your entertaining activities. Similarly, it’s wise to establish your business as a limited liability company (LLC) to keep your business liabilities apart from your personal assets. If you aren’t sure where to begin, a formation service like Zen Business can help with the process; they can make it quick and easy.

Home Layout Considerations

Open floor plans are ideal if you like to entertain. They make the space feel larger and help you and your guests socialize more easily. A bathroom on the main floor is important, so guests don't have to walk through your entire house. 

Useful Exterior Features

Before entering the home, scope out the exterior features that are helpful for entertaining. A long, wide driveway and street parking give your guests places to park. Look for outdoor entertaining space, such as a large yard or patio. If the home doesn't already have a patio or deck, consider if there's space to add one.

Updating your landscaping for outdoor entertaining can transform your garden into a welcoming extension of your home, perfect for gatherings, dinners, or simply relaxing under the stars. When planning your outdoor space, consider incorporating a variety of plants that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also suit your climate and maintenance preferences. For guidance on plant selection and care, there are numerous online resources offering helpful tips and advice. These digital platforms can provide you with information on everything from choosing the right plants for your space to understanding their watering and sunlight needs.

Preparing for Entertaining

As you look at homes, consider the updates you'll need to do to prepare for entertaining this holiday season. This might include mechanical and structural issues that have to be addressed for safety and cosmetic issues to make it look beautiful for guests. Factor those repairs into the budget and make a plan to complete them. If you’re doing repairs, renovations, or building from scratch, it’s important to thoroughly research your builder and contractor and include these projects in the budget for home buying.

Home Financing Considerations

Set your budget and research your mortgage options before you get too far into the search. Research the current interest rates and loan options, which might include conventional, FHA, or VA loans, depending on your situation.

A mortgage calculator gives you a general idea of what you'll pay. Your debt-to-income ratio will determine what your maximum payment can be. Getting preapproved before your house search is ideal. Not only do you have a better idea of what you can get, but it's also attractive to sellers. Last but not least, make sure you pay close attention to mortgage rates; for more information about 15 year mortgage rates today, for example, reputable lending sites can keep you up to date.  If you’ve recently become self-employed, you’ll go through a somewhat different process, getting approved for a loan. 

Find Your Perfect Entertaining Home

Looking at a home's potential for hosting guests can help you find one that matches your regular activities. The tips above – from checking your debt-to-income ratio to establishing your own LLC – can help make the process a whole lot easier!

Discover your dream home in the stunning Sarasota area with the Kepecz-Hays Team, renowned for their unparalleled expertise and $2.4 billion in career sales. Contact us today to schedule a private viewing of our exclusive luxury properties and start living the elite lifestyle you deserve.