There’s no denying that the housing market is hot right now. But it’s not just any home that you need to be looking for; it has to be the right home for you. When buying a house, many people tend to focus on the interior and exterior aesthetics of a home. After all, nobody wants to buy a new home only to find out later that it was located in an undesirable area with little green space, few neighbors, lousy school district or terrible commute. Whether you’re planning to buy a new home in the near future or perhaps sell yours first, it never hurts to know about some of the pros and cons of different locations before you make a final decision on your real estate purchase.

Location, Location, Location

The saying goes: “Location, location, location!” Why? Because it’s true! Real estate agents preach this because it’s a fact. No matter how nice your home is on the inside, if it’s located in a bad area, it’s probably not going to sell for as much as it’s worth. On the other hand, if you find a home that may not be in the best condition, but it is in an ideal location, you can probably negotiate a lower price. A home’s location can have a major impact on the resale value. It can also affect the cost of your homeowner’s insurance. Your neighbors can make all the difference to your happiness in a house.

Why Does Location Matter?

Yes, we have discussed the importance of location, but why does it matter so much? How does it impact your life? The location of your home can have an impact on several different areas of your life, such as commute, commute, commute! Nothing is more frustrating than a long commute to and from work. In some areas, this is inevitable, but you can cut down on the amount of time you spend in traffic by buying a home in a different location. Your home’s location can affect how much money you’re spending each month on insurance, utility bills, and even groceries. The quality of your local school system can also be impacted by your home’s location, as well as your proximity to friends and family.

Selecting a Good Location for Your Home Purchase

 

There are some important factors to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a new home that have to do with the location of a house. Some things to keep in mind when looking at a house’s location are: - Commute - How long is your commute to work? And is there a way to shorten it? Most people spend around 1 hour each way commuting to work, which can add up over the course of a year. If there’s a way to shorten that commute, you could save yourself a lot of time and money. - Green Space - Do you have easy access to a park? The amount of green space in your area can have a significant impact on your quality of life, especially for children. - Housing Prices - How expensive is the real estate in your area? The housing prices in your area can give you a general idea of what the neighborhood is like. - Schools - How are the schools in the neighborhood? You definitely don’t want to be moving into a neighborhood where the schools are less than ideal, but you also don’t want to be moving into a neighborhood where everyone is a stay-at-home parent because the schools are too difficult. - Traffic - Is there a ton of traffic in your neighborhood, or is it relatively quiet? Is there anything you can do to help reduce that traffic flow? These factors–and more–are all things to consider when choosing your location.

Neighborhood Amenities

 

One of the first things you should look for when determining the location of your new home, is the neighborhood amenities. This means that you want to consider the proximity of stores and restaurants and other places that you might frequent on a regular basis. It’s important to look at the map and find out where the nearest amenities are located. You should also find out what types of businesses are nearby, such as whether there are grocery stores, hardware stores, or pharmacies nearby. Another neighborhood amenity to consider is the amount of foot traffic that you might experience. If you live in a neighborhood with a lot of foot traffic, you may have to be more careful about locking up your home. 

 

School Districts and Safety

The school district of your home can have a significant impact on the real estate value of your home, especially if you have young children. You should definitely conduct your own research to see how the schools in your neighborhood are rated. You can also look into what you can do to improve safety in your neighborhood. If you are planning to move into a new neighborhood, you can reach out to the leaders of that neighborhood and see what they’re doing to improve safety. You can also check out Neighborhood Watch programs in your area.

 

Commute and Travel Distance

How long does it take you to get to work each day? This can be a major factor in your decision about buying a new home. You want to find a home that is close to work, especially if you have a long commute. You should also consider how far your home is from any major airports. If you travel frequently for work or pleasure, you want to make sure that you don’t have to drive a long distance in order to catch a flight.

Choose Wisely

These are just a few things to consider when shopping for a new home. It can be difficult to narrow down what you really want and need, but it’s important to do your research. The location of your new home can have a significant impact on your daily life. You want to make sure that you choose a location that is convenient and has everything that you need. When buying a new home, keep these factors in mind and you’ll be much more likely to find the perfect home. Our team members at the Michael Martinetti Group are experts in Union County, NJ and beyond. View our city guides or speak with one of our agents to see which location is right for you.