There are many things that you can change about a home. You can renovate just about everything on the interior. You can alter much of the exterior. You can even demolish the home and build all new. The one thing typically out of your control is the home’s location – specifically its location in proximity to other places of interest. Here are a few things to consider as you think about what’s nearby…
School/Work:
The first and most obvious location(s) to consider involve your commute to work and/or school. Often, married couples work in two different locations; a frequent question asked is “which spouse needs to live closer to work?” Or perhaps “can we live somewhere right in the middle?” Living close to your children’s school is often a priority also.
Family/Friends:
Another natural inclination is how near (or perhaps how far away) your future home is from family and friends.
Park/Nature:
Living out in the woods in the middle of nature holds tremendous appeal for some people. If you’re unable to find a home that offers such seclusion, you may consider living in home with accessible parks, woods, and/or nature trails.
Water:
Whether it’s a pool, beach, lake, or river, many folks dream of a home that’s within close proximity to some sort of large body of water. Even if your home doesn’t have the waterfront view, the potential of water entertainment nearby is something to consider.
City Limits:
Proximity to the city could go either way. Some may want a house that’s near the city, while others intentionally avoid it. For those looking to take advantage of a USDA loan, properties are not eligible if they are too close to an urban center.
Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, etc:
Although it may not be a huge priority while you are submersed in the home search, it may become an issue down the road when you run out of milk or are too tired to cook.
Fire Stations/Fire Hydrant:
This may not be a deal breaker, but something else to consider is a home’s proximity to either a fire station and fire hydrant. Fire losses are the most expensive insurance claims. Homes located within quick response time are usually charged lower rates than those that are miles away. Every dollar saved on insurance can be put towards the home.
There’s much to consider when you’re in the market to buy a new home. Your online search will be directed towards a lot of the specifics of the home. The pictures typically showcase all of the inside’s best features and a few of the exterior perks. Once you’ve set your sights on the ONE, be sure to observe all the things that are nearby. What does the home itself offer and what does the surrounding area have to offer?
