What, Really, is the Most Important Factor in Choosing Your Next Home?

What, really, is the most important factor in choosing your next home? 

This is the moment where the home buying motto comes into play—location, location, location.

It’s important to keep in mind that once you buy a home, the condition of your home can always change, but the area you decide to live might not.  Or it may, but not in a positive way (eg, new highway nearby). 

Usually when someone buys a home, they want to stay there for a while, which is why location is a top priority. It comes down to what you genuinely need from a location, that way you’re settling in a home completely satisfied with everything necessary to fit your personal lifestyle.

Consider the following location factors when deciding where to look:

School District

This is usually a huge factor for people with children. Actually, it is huge for everyone as good schools affect the value of your home. Of course, you want your kids to be part of a great school district and get the most out of their education. Finding the right one will be an important factor to take into account while searching for your future home.

My Service:  You will be provided with all the info on our local schools, including rankings, how our system works here in NC and links to contact them.

Rural or Urban?

If you have lived in an urban community your entire life, going off into a rural area may be a bit of a dramatic change. If you’re really trying to get more in touch with nature and live a slightly less fast-paced lifestyle, then go rural! As long as you are confident that you’ll be comfortable with your new surroundings.

My Service:  I will listen to what you are looking for & make recommendations based upon my 10 years of Real Estate expertise & knowledge of our area.

Proximity to Work

I’m not sure I have ever met someone who has said, “I love my long and early commute to work”!, which is why it’s important to make sure the area you are looking to live in is a manageable distance from your job. This way, getting to work doesn’t cause them more stress than the actual job itself.

My Service:  You will receive searches based on distance from your job or other place you specify.

Price Range

Of course you want to jump in & start searching.  This is exciting!  The first step, though, is to contact a great mortgage lender.  You really need to know how much you can afford before you start looking.  And, sellers will require a Qualification Letter with any offers, so this is the first step to take.  You may be delightfully surprised to find out you may afford more than you anticipated, but it’s important not to live too far beyond your means.

My Service:  I work with several well-respected & experienced lenders who will walk you through the process & explain everything to you.  I also give you a list of lender questions to use in your conversations.

Distance from Extended Family

Everyone’s family is different, but consider a potential home's proximity to relatives.  Whether you’re close with your family, or there are older relatives who will eventually need extra care, this is important to keep in mind, especially if you plan on settling in the location for a long period of time.

My Service:  I will provide you with info on proximity to trains, planes & automobiles.  I will show you where the major highways are.

New Highway Proximity -- If, When, Where

Our area is growing rapidly and new construction is popping up all over.  We have several new major highways in the works.  You need to know if or how this may affect your home value & your quality of life.  

My Service:  You will receive the most accurate information on nearby construction.  This includes approved & proposed major highways, retail & residential.  I keep on top of this info so you can relax.

Make the Smart Real Estate decision when selecting your next home.  You'll be very happy you did.  I'm here to help every step of the way.