It’s no secret that buying a home is a huge investment. For most people, houses are a place they plan to stay at for the long term. So, it’s important to ensure all the features of your new property are right for you. One of the features you don’t want to overlook is location.
In this blog post, I discuss three questions you can ask yourself to identify the right location and home for you and your family. So, whether you’re just starting your home search or you’re almost ready to make an offer, take some time to consider these questions before you commit to a new home.
What Are The Neighbors Like?
When you’re searching for a home, it is natural and, in fact, encouraged to do some daydreaming while you’re on site. When you are researching homes, you want to consider what you need your home to be. Maybe you want your place to be a calming, relaxing space to come back to. Or perhaps you work remotely and need an environment that is conducive to focusing.
While your prospective house might be perfect for what you have in mind, your neighbors may not be as compliant.
Even if your home has all the features you need, the people who live around your prospective house might have different priorities. Whether you want to live in a tightly knit community or a slow-paced group of homebodies, taking some time to learn about your neighbors is key.
So, how do you find the answer to this question without living in the area? Take some time to walk or slowly drive around the neighborhood. See what people are doing, notice if drivers wave to you as you walk by and keep an eye out for how households are structured. For example, if you have little ones, you will probably be looking for a neighborhood that has other kids on the block.
Keep an open mind as you tour your prospective neighborhood. Be mindful of any assumptions you might be making about the sort of people who live in your potential community. If you keep a clear head, you are certain to gather the information you need to make a more informed decision about buying a home.
What Is Nearby?
As housing continues to spread out to accommodate a growing population, more and more people are finding themselves farther from essential resources. Before you decide on buying a home, identify what is nearby.
Some resources you might want to include in your research are:
- Grocery stores
- Employment opportunities
- Family-friendly activities
- Parks
- Beaches
- Schools
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Libraries
- Walking trails
Obviously, each homebuyer will have different priorities for what is in their proximity. Some may not need to have consistent access to the beach, while others will go crazy without a daily walk along the shore. Another homebuyer might not require employment opportunities, but their family will need easy access to a bus for school.
If you are uncertain about your top priorities, rank each of the items above in order of importance to you and your family. Have this list handy as you explore your potential homes.
What Is The Cost Of Living?
Though slightly less glamorous than some of the other questions on this list, this one is no less important to consider when buying a home. You might feel confident about your ability to afford your new home, but does your household’s current income and expenses transfer to your prospective location?
Cost of living calculations factor in groceries, transportation costs, childcare, entertainment, eating out and more. While the property itself might be within your budget, the location around it may not be. This can vary widely from city to city, but there can also be significant variations depending on where you are in the city. For example, downtown is likely to be much more expensive than on the edges of town.
First, identify your finances and then use a cost of living calculator to help you determine how expensive it is to live in your prospective area. This will save you lots of headaches down the line.
Final Thoughts
Location is more than where your new home is situated on the street. It encompasses culture, accessibility, finances and so much more. That is why it is important to find a real estate agent who knows the area where you intend to move. If you are thinking about buying a home in Navarre, I am confident I can help you find the right location for your household. You can send me a note on my contact page or give me a call at 914-447-4847.