How to pick the perfect location to buy a home
Location, location, location
You'd think the word would have lost all meaning by now, but paradoxically, it only seems to grow in value. Semantic satiation to one side, there is a reason why this is the motto of the housing market. When house hunting, we only tend to look at the house itself. This is where we will live, but we can ill afford to disregard the bigger picture. The house itself is in a neighborhood; ergo, we will be living in that neighborhood. It will not only affect your quality of life but is also a good indicator of whether or not you are making a good investment. This will not come as news to many, but this knowledge opens up another question. One that is a bit trickier to answer - how to pick the perfect location to buy a home?
Before we get started, remember, you are never restricted to one state. It can be tougher, but there are tricks you can utilize when buying out of state to help with the process. Back to the matter of hand, let's see if we can find an adequate answer to our conundrum.
Investment, investment, investment
Let's flip the old saying for a second and start another mantra of sorts. When we start looking for a home, we are looking for that dream abode, that picture-perfect property. However, anyone who has taken a minute to plan a bit further ahead will also be thinking about the fact that they are simultaneously preparing for their financial future. Buying a house is a significant monetary endeavor. You would hope that that rather substantial wad of cash is not being thrown into the proverbial fireplace to warm up unrealistic desires. Buying the most expensive house in a neighborhood that's reached its zenith might not be the most prudent of decisions. You should be looking for the community that will be the best but isn't yet. Don't think of it in terms of good and bad areas. You are looking for a neighborhood that has a future in terms of your day-to-day life and one that will be kind to your house's selling price in the years to come. There is an excellent way to see if you've found a good area. Millennials now make up more than half the market. If the neighborhood you're eyeing is also attractive to them, you're on to a winner. High demand adds more digits to that future selling price.
On the subject of finances, another hidden factor will be your budget. Budgetary restraints will also be a factor in how many options you have to begin with, but there are ways around this to help you snag the perfect home - even if it is on the pricier side.
How to pick the perfect location to buy a home? Think education
Unless you're homeschooling, you should aim to find a home near a good school district. If realtors talk about location all the time, parents talk about education even more. They are both right too. There's rarely something as important as knowing your children are going to a safe school that offers them everything they need. So do the research and make sure there are good schooling options in the area before signing on that dotted line.
Going back for a moment to the investment part of the equation. If you find out there are plans for new schools to be opened in the neighborhood, ones that by all accounts should be of good quality, that could mean the area will become a lot more attractive in the upcoming period. There is a lot of evidence to back up the claim that schools impact home values, so this is something to think about.
The wheels on the bus go round and round
Judging by the heading, I might be under the influence of all that school talk. Still, my subconscious mind has done a sublime job; the dreaded commute is another essential point. If work is on the other side of town, maybe that objectively dreamy neighborhood is not the perfect one. The ideal location will depend on many variables. You're looking for that sweet spot. The fact that a particular area will appreciate by a percent or two more might not justify the amount of time you will lose commuting to and from work. You should also consider how well the neighborhood is connected to the rest of the city. If a good public transportation system is set in place, that is a great plus. Remember, you also need to move all your things to the new location, and this can be a good indicator of how accessible your house and neighborhood are. When getting ready for the move, you can get good advice from the Royal Moving Company on how to pack, transport, and even store things you might not need immediately.
Peace of Mind
Nothing offers this better than safety. Look up crime rates in the area. Find out how safe the neighborhood is. These statistics are relatively easy to come by these days. Safety means less stress. Less stress means you can enjoy what you have instead of worrying all the time. We all want to let our children play outside while we relax, knowing nothing bad will happen. We all want to come back home after that one drink at the bar turned into a night out that caught you entirely by 'surprise'. Most of all, we all want to sleep peacefully at night. These neighborhoods are almost always highly sought after, implying rising prices and demand. So you're safe on all fronts!
An amenity enigma
Our lives are sometimes like chaotically crafted puzzles. There are so many fiddly bits, riddles, and questions to wrestle with. A good neighborhood can help establish an equilibrium. Finding an area to match your lifestyle makes perfect sense. If you have a dog that requires long walks, are into fitness, and enjoy the local theatre, you know what to look for. A highly urbanized area, with plenty of pubs and fast food joints. Only kidding - if there is a park, gym, and, well, a local theatre, it seems like it is match-made in heaven. Yes, never forget to make sure the area is still desirable in the broader market. But think about your needs too. As always, it's about balance.
You found the perfect location, what now?
You've searched long and hard and have finally found the perfect location. You're all set, right? Well, not quite. There is one more thing that needs to be taken care of. All your things need to be in the new house. Moving can be a nightmarish affair. Unless you have some backup, that is. Hiring local movers can turn this sour task into a piece of cake. They can take care of all the logistical steps and offer support from start to finish. A professional moving company will help you settle down in your new neighborhood, and you won't even feel it.
In conclusion
You're all set, now go get that perfect home!
That was a bit lackluster, wasn't it? In all honesty, there is not much to add. If there is one thing to take away, it's that the pros had been getting it right all this time. Location is essential. The perfect location will depend on your preferences and what is objectively desirable. Think smart, think long-term, and you should be fine. Location, location, location... Unbelievable, the word is indestructible. It never loses its meaning or value. Now that you know how to pick the perfect location to buy a home - go pick it!
