info@storyhousere.com   |   (434) 260-1435
2110 Ivy Road   |   Charlottesville, VA 22903
facebook instagram
Story House Real Estate Story House Real Estate
Navigation
  • ABOUT US
    • Who We Are
    • Mission Statement
    • Our Philanthropy
    • Our Success Stories
      • Client Profiles
      • Client Testimonials
      • Press & Recognition
      • Our Sold Homes
    • Join Our Team
  • SELL A HOME
    • Find Your Home Worth
    • How We Sell
    • Seller Profile
    • Home Sale Calculator
  • BUY A HOME
    • Our 10 Step Process
      • Consult Your REALTOR®
      • Arrange Your Financing
      • Find Your Home
      • Prepare a Purchase Offer
      • Contract for Your Home
      • Conduct Inspections
      • Finalize Your Financing
      • Prepare for Settlement
    • Buyer Profile
    • Our Listings
    • Search All Active Listings
      • Search by County
      • Charlottesville Area Neighborhoods
    • Affordability Calculator
  • LET’S CONNECT

5 Questions To Ask Yourself When Deciding How Big Your Next Home Should Be

How much space do you really need?  Some people say the bigger the better, but is that really true?  Five questions to ask yourself when determining how much space you really need.

  1. Will this be my “FOREVER” home or my “RIGHT NOW” home?
    • While none of us can predict the future, it is entirely possible to predict the likelihood of whether or not you will be moving in the coming years or staying put for the duration.  If moving in the future is the answer, then maybe you don’t need to buy that perfect FOREVER HOME right at this moment, but maybe a RIGHT NOW home is the answer instead.
  2. What will my income look like down the road?
    • If you have just started your career, odds are that your income will be increasing over the years.  Or on the opposite end of the spectrum, if you are reaching the end of your career, you may be looking at declining income.  In either case, it’s in your best interest to have a mortgage that you can afford, as opposed to MAXING OUT.  Go small, leave yourself some wiggle room.  Additionally remember that more space means more time and money spent on upkeep, more space to fill and higher utility bills factor in as well.
  3. What are the priorities?
    • Ask yourself what you will use your space for, and try and be honest with yourself.  While it may be glamorous to dream of hosting fabulous dinner parties and cocktail hours, will you really follow through?  Try and justify what you will use each space in the home for.  Factor in all the variables, maybe you value walkability more than a large home, or having a shorter commute – make sure you aren’t sacrificing these elements for SPACE that you will find that you don’t need later on.

       

  4. What kind of space do I want from the other inhabitants of my home?
    • If you are a person who knows they need their PRIVACY – to work from home or just find some time alone, then the extra square footage may well be worth the higher mortgage.  However, if you are someone who loves having family close by, a large home might begin to feel just a little too big.
  5. Does the home you are looking at feel spacious even if it doesn’t have that much square footage?
    • Don’t forget that a smaller footprint doesn’t have to feel cramped.  Smaller homes can feel quite large if their floor plan is OPEN and there is lots of NATURAL LIGHT to be had.  Larger footprints can be quite the opposite, and will feel cramped in they are DARK or have a poor LAYOUT.  When shopping for your next home, remember that the number next to square footage doesn’t tell the whole story.  Try and focus on the size of the individual rooms where you will be spending a lot of time, versus being so concerned about the size of a space you won’t likely be using very often.

Posted on March 14, 2018

Categories

  • Achievements & Recognition
  • Affordability & Financing
  • Blog
  • Buying
  • Charlottesville Area
  • Charlottesville News
  • Charlottesville Real Estate
  • Choosing a Realtor
  • City of Charlottesville
  • Client Profiles
  • Client Testimonials
  • Community
  • First Time Homebuyer
  • Historic Charlottesville
  • Home Repair & Maintenance
  • Landscaping & Exterior
  • Lifestyle
  • Market Reports
  • National Real Estate
  • New Construction
  • Our Favorite Things
  • Real Estate 101
  • Real Estate News and Info
  • Selling
  • Short Sale & Foreclosure 101
  • Sold Homes
  • Staging to Sell
  • Uncategorized

Contact Us

    Subscribe to Newsletter
    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    Jul 3

    0 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 18113859067496859
    HOT HOMES ON THE MARKET 🔥🏠

🔥 This Week’s Hottest Homes Just Dropped!
Ready to fall in love with your next home? Whether you're dreaming of clean lines and turnkey ease or a peaceful hideaway tucked in the trees, we’ve got you covered.

✨ Sleek, stylish homes—move-in ready
🌿 Retreats with space and serenity
🏙️ Buzzing neighborhoods full of life

All in locations that check every box.

Your dream home won’t wait.
Which one feels like your next chapter?

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 608 Davis Avenue Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS #666120 | $700,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3 full bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 1103 Mill Park Drive Ext Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS #665911 | $350,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2 full/1 Half bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 3028 Horizon Road Charlottesville VA 22902 | MLS #665834 | $485,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2 full/2 half bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 820 Swede St Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS #665347 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 83 Mossy Creek Court Zion Crossroads VA 22942 | MLS#665020 | $675,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 3 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 4760 Bluejay Way Charlottesville VA 22911 | MLS#665043 | $370,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 1184 Partridge Lane Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS#664253 | $374,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3 bath | 🎉 

📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!

 #Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    Jul 3

    10 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 18051974999143526
    JUST LISTED | 🏠 1025 Bristlecone Lane Charlottesville VA 22911 | MLS #666383 | $425,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3 full bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Sunday, July 6th from 1 PM - 3 PM!

Step into elegance and comfort in this beautifully updated home featuring:
✨ Light-filled open floor plan
🔥 Cozy propane log fireplace
🍽 Chef’s kitchen with quartz countertops & stainless steel appliances
🛌 Main level primary suite with spa-like bath
🌳 Private backyard with covered patio — perfect for summer entertaining!

Enjoy the best of Charlottesville living, just minutes from 29N Charlottesville, top schools, shopping, dining, and more.

📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com for questions!
🔑 Move-In Ready | Main Floor Living | Prime Location

#Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    Jul 1

    10 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 18111986974447812
    COMING SOON | 🏠 34 Zephyr Road Palmyra VA 22963 | MLS #666386 | $375,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2 full bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Sunday, July 13th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

Elegant light-filled ranch in a prime Lake Monticello location with outstanding curb appeal! This upscale split-bedroom floor plan features multiple rooflines, oversized Palladian windows, vaulted ceilings, and hickory hardwood floor. The spacious living room includes a gas fireplace and opens to the kitchen with granite countertops, maple cabinetry, a breakfast bar, and an eat-in area, plus a separate formal dining room.

The primary site offers vaulted ceilings, hardwood flooring, a large walk-in closet, double vanities, and a walk-in glass-enclosed shower. Additional bedrooms are located on the opposite side of the home for privacy. A vaulted sunroom overlooks the fenced backyard and mature landscaping. Additional features include a side-load garage, paved driveway with extra parking, and established plantings.

Conveniently located near the Turkeysag Gate, shopping, dining, and walkable to Beach 4.

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!

 #Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    Jul 1

    11 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 17988016448681406
    COMING SOON | 🏠 1025 Bristlecone Lane Charlottesville VA 22911 | MLS #666383 | $425,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3 full bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Sunday, July 6th from 1 PM - 3 PM!

Welcome to 1025 Bristlecone Lane, a stunning home nestled in the heart of one of Charlottesville's most sought-after neighborhood, Forest Lakes. This beautifully designed property offers the perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless charm. Step inside to discover an open-concept floor plan bathed in natural light, featuring gleaming hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a cozy propane log fireplace that anchors the living space.

The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a spa-like ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms are generously sized, offering comfort and flexibility for family or guests. Outside, the private backyard features a covered patio ideal for summer barbecues and a private surroundings.

Located just minutes from 29 N Charlottesville, this home provides easy access to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. The property features 3 bedrooms (2 on main level), 3 walk in closets, and 3 full baths. Location, Main Floor Primary, and Move In Ready. 

📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!

 #Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    Jun 26

    7 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 17984094497700513
    HOT HOMES ON THE MARKET 🔥🏠

Your Next Chapter Starts Here!
From sleek, low-maintenance gems to hidden wooded retreats and vibrant neighborhood favorites—this week’s featured listings have it all.

💫 Stylish, move-in ready homes
🌳 Peaceful privacy or buzzing community living
📍 All in locations you’ll love

Find your perfect match before someone else does.
Which one is calling your name?

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 1103 Mill Park Drive Ext Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS #665911 | $350,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2 full/1 Half bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 820 Swede St Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS #665347 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 83 Mossy Creek Court Zion Crossroads VA 22942 | MLS#665020 | $675,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 3 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Sunday, June 15th from 1 PM - 3 PM!

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 1261 Old Trail Drive Crozet VA 22932 | MLS#665019 | $579,900 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 4760 Bluejay Way Charlottesville VA 22911 | MLS#665043 | $370,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, June 14th from 12 PM - 2 PM!

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 127 Kathys Lane Troy VA 22974 | MLS#664146 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 4286 Sunset Drive Charlottesville VA 22911 | MLS#664112 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 

NEW PRICE | FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 6183 Spring Hill Rd Ruckersville VA 22968 | MLS #663532 | $315,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 1184 Partridge Lane Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS#664253 | $385,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3 bath | 🎉 

📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions! 

#Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
    Story House Real Estate logo
    STORY HOUSE REAL ESTATE
    2110 Ivy Road
    Charlottesville, VA 22903
    Phone: (434) 260-1435
    facebook instagram
    LICENSED TO SELL REAL ESTATE IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
    REALTOR icon Equal Housing icon
    © 2025 Story House Real Estate. All Rights Reserved.