Real Estate Matters
While the number of bedrooms and the size of the backyard are both important when searching for a home, location should not be overlooked. In fact, it is often said that in buying real estate and in choosing your place to call home, the most important factors are location, location and location.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect location and property for you.
Neighborhood
Whether it is peace and quiet surrounded by acres of land that you want, being closer to the ocean, beach and the water that you seek, or the culture, choices and public transportation of urban life that meet your needs, scoping out what neighborhood will make you happy in the long run is crucial. Unfortunately, neighbors are non-negotiable, unless you purchase your own private island.
Property taxes
Property taxes play a large role in a monthly budget. While you have little control over the mandated costs, it is best to take a look at the tax history before you choose a home.
School district
Certainly if you are looking for a location for your own children, schools would most likely be your top priority. If you do not have school-aged children, a school district may not seem like an important factor. Even so a highly rated school district can drastically impact the value of your home, for better or for worse depending on the desirability of the district.
Crime rates
The safety of your neighborhood impacts everything from your happiness and security, to your home’s resale value. If you are considering moving out of town or to another state, there are numerous online tools that can shed light on the crime rates of other communities.
Transportation
If you move somewhere that makes your commute longer than an hour, you will likely get pretty tired of the location fairly quickly. It may be better to choose a place with public transportation or highway access nearby.
Geography
Your home’s physical location certainly will have a huge impact on how you live. Think about factors like the climate, landscape, and environmental changes that will impact you down the line.
Only you can decide the best location for you! It may take quite a bit of research, time and discernment. Choosing a location is truly a leap of faith, and here in our Shore Local area, an awesome one!
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
