Deciding where to live should be a home buyer’s first task. Many buyers though describe the type of home they want to live in and are open to many areas. This usually results in another move within a few years because the homeowner realizes they should have considered their lifestyle and the things they like to do and made choosing a location the priority.
Commuting Nightmares
If your new home is quite a distance from work, family or hobbies you like to do, then you could spend a good amount of time in the car. This is time that could be spent enjoying your home and spending time with family and friends. Even though a buyer may not mind driving, when it adds up to several hours each week, it will begin to mentally and physically weigh on a person and cause unnecessary stress.
Healthy Lifestyle
Many buyers today are looking for communities that are easy accessible with walking/biking paths. Real estate companies have recognized this and offer Walkability ratings on their websites. Sitting for long periods of time indoors is not healthy. It is ideal to choose a community where you can get out and roam to the neighborhood coffee shop, the gym or a nearby park.
Future Appreciation
If there truly is more than one location that will offer you everything you need, then choose the location that has the best chance of increasing in value. Appreciation is a great determining factor when choosing where to live since it takes your future earnings into consideration. A real estate professional can help you determine areas that are expected to increase in value over the next several years.
At the end of the day, location should be the first consideration when deciding where to live since the home itself should not be the only deciding factor. The surrounding area plays a big part in a homeowner’s happiness and therefore should be given the attention it deserves. A buyer will be happier in the long run!