There are numerous reasons why location is key when it comes to real estate purchases, but the primary one is value. If you purchase a home in a neighborhood plagued with foreclosures, you can be bet that the actual value of your home will be significantly lower than if you had purchased a home in an established or up and coming neighborhood with strong covenants, excellent neighborhood schools, and great amenities.  You will find that when you purchase a home in a thoughtfully  planned community your home investment will increase steadily over time. Additionally, if you intend to sell your current home, you will find that homes within great neighborhoods sell much faster.  Think about how you purchased your last home.  One of your first decisions is where you wanted to live.

You may ask what makes a great community?  Well, the answer is different for everyone. But at its core, it’s all about how the community makes you feel and whether it fits your lifestyle.  Get started by making a list:

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT: Are parks, trails, recreation, retail or multi-family housing planned for the community?

SCHOOLS: Is your future home located in a neighborhood that is convenient to neighborhood schools? Is it within walking distance or do they need to ride a bus? Check with the school district on the test scores, teacher to student ratios, outstanding programs, etc.

AMENITIES: Are parks, trails, or recreation facilities located within the community? Are there extra fees associated with using the recreational facilities?

HOA’s OR DRC’s: Are you living within area with an HOA?  What are the covenants, guidelines or restrictions and associated fees?

PROXIMITY TO SHOPPING: Is the community conveniently located for quick trips to the grocery store, gas station, dry cleaner, restaurants, shopping, etc.?

PROXIMITY TO WORK: How long will your commute to work be? Do you need to be close to public transportation, airports, or major interstates?

PROXIMITY TO OTHER AMENITIES:  If you have children, will you be driving all over the county to take them to sports events and school functions or are those functions readily available within your community?

TAX RATE: Do you have to pay both city and county property taxes

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Do you require public transportation and do you have transportation options?

NOISE: Go to the community at various times of the day. Is there a lot of noise from traffic? Are you in a flight pattern from the local airport?

All of the above are equally important when it comes to finding that right home for your next new home. Now that you know why location is so important, you can easily begin to eliminate homes that don’t meet your criteria. Yes, you want a home that fits your lifestyle but a home is an investment, so make sure that your home purchase is a sound one.  Our experts can help you find the perfect place to live and build for you the perfect house.