by Gonçalo Moniz 
When buying your new home in the Azores, careful rational thinking is essential to choose a property that is adequate for what you wish, however you should listen to your emotions to decide on a specific one: chose with your mind, decide with your heart.
Buying a property is a complex project that requires a lot of planning, considering multiple factors. First the location and all the questions needing answer: can you find the services and goods you need? Can you easily travel if you need to? Is there a comute to your job or hobby and is it too long? What are its benefits and disadvantages (and there are always some)?
Then the size and type of house you are looking for: how many bedrooms? How many bathrooms? Is a garage indispensable? Do you have the time and inclination to tend to a big garden or a small one will do? Are you willing to do repairs or rebuilds? And of course, the essential financial planning: what is your budget? What are the costs involved in the purchase? Is your property resellable in case you change your mind or want to move after a few years?
Answering all of these questions and weighing all of these factors demands a very business like, pragmatic approach. And you should take the time to think coldly and rationally about it before choosing. Perhaps create a short list and do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and rate them if you like.
However, when the time comes to make a decision, when you’re visiting the properties and have received and pondered all the important information, it’s time to listen to your emotions. This is going to be your new home, a place that you should fall in love with. You can buy a property that ticks all the rational boxes and still don’t feel that “it’s home”. Can you imagine yourself being happy in this place? How do you feel about it is an essential last question to answer before saying “this is it!” Your subjective feelings are an essential part of your decision and you should listen to them as well. When looking for a home in Azores choose with your mind, decide with your heart.
Real-estate agents are here to help you with precise and detailed information on all aspects of the property and the location. They can help you chose. So, after carefully considering the technical side, when the time comes to decide, listen to your heart.
