“Buying a home is not just about buying a house—buying a home represents your next phase of life,” reflects Sarah Naylor, who has been helping people find homes for over ten years in the Rockwall and greater DFW area.
While we all try to plan out our “next phase of life” as best we can, realistically, changes await us at every turn. Some of these changes can catch us off guard. For example, a corporate relocation requires a cross-country move; a desire for better schools causes parents to shift communities; or a realization that as empty nesters, the house is just a little too much to handle.
Can you truly outgrow a home? Yes. Children get bigger (but storage spaces rarely keep up!). Pets become part of the family. Maybe your parents move in with you. Suddenly, life demands new parameters and requirements. What do you do?
Fortunately, there are options. “You can add extensions to your current house, or creatively maximize existing space. On the other hand, if you’re looking for minimum maintenance and smaller spaces, renting or owning condos are budget-friendly options too (and especially popular amongst millennials, or grandparents who need to downsize),” she advises.
As someone who has been awarded Rockwall County’s Individual Real Estate Agent of the Year for multiple years, Sarah understands that buying a home is like a promise you make to your future self. She has helped numerous families maneuver all kinds of life transitions. We asked her what she recommends for families in flux:
Q: What should first-time buyers look for in a new home?
A: From the onset, find a neighborhood or community that you can see your children growing into. Families should look into maximizing their square footage—getting the most bang for your buck—especially if children are in your future plans. I often also recommend buying a home with two living areas, so kids can watch TV or play separately in a room from parents.
Q: Now imagine you have the home of your dreams, but your family is quickly growing, and you don’t want to move. What are some options?
A: In terms of physical space, it’s important to know if an HOA allows you to expand your lot. Adding a shed, or a barn/shop, or even an extra garage can really help with storage space solutions. Some HOAs will also allow extensions to a house, like a screened sunroom, a mother-in-law suite, or even a front patio extension.
And if you can’t afford a new home, make sure no blank space goes unnoticed or unused in your current home! Within a room, get creative: add a Murphy bed to an office, or build custom shelving or closets to maximize kids’ rooms.
Q: What are some trends that families should be aware of when purchasing real estate?
A: Trends like multigenerational families living in shared spaces are here to stay. With so many families feeling economically constrained, it just makes sense for families to combine incomes and live together but still have a “separation” within the house for privacy. A small casita, or a mother-in-law suite—either attached or detached—is a popular idea.
Sarah’s philosophy is simple: when buying a home, people should love the community they’re in.
Her own ability to bless the communities she serves is important to her. Through partnering with and donating to local charities and organizations, her team has had the opportunity to help her local community grow, and this is where her heart truly is. Some of the charities she has worked with include:
- Home and Heart
- Lone Star CASA
- Helping Hands
- Patriot Paws
- The Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall
Community and charity focused events are an integral part of what she calls the “Naylor Difference.” The Naylor Difference is an all-inclusive work ethic which Sarah stands by day in and day out. It includes a preference for consistent communication, resulting in high-quality customer service. It also emphasizes a win-win outcome for both buyers and sellers, which includes respecting both parties' time and budgets.
When Sarah is not out building relationships or organizing a charity event, you’ll find her playing pickleball or running to show a home in her tennis shoes! For more info contact https://sarahnaylor.com/contact-us.
Within a room, get creative: add a Murphy bed to an office, or build custom shelving or closets to maximize kids’ rooms.
Sarah’s philosophy is simple: when buying a home, people should love the community they’re in.