Tips For Buying A Great Home Part Two: Location

Since the first installment of my series was directed primarily at first-time homebuyers, it’s important for me to cover another crucial aspect of the home buying process: location! Any experienced real estate agent, developer, or investor knows that location is everything when it comes to purchasing a property. Here are some great ways to make sure the location you are considering is the right one for you.
Community Engagement
Finding a neighborhood you want to live in can be the most difficult part, depending on what you are looking for. For families, you want to look for a neighborhood with low-speed limits and an active community. Take notice of the people walking around and the neighborhood amenities such as parks and playgrounds. If there are other families with children walking around, you know they feel safe in doing so. It never hurts to check into the crime rates in the area to ease your concerns, which can easily be found on sites like Zillow.
High Home Values
While searching, don’t forget to consider the value of the home you are looking to buy, and how that value may fluctuate over the years. Check out neighborhoods where homes sell quickly, there is a prospect of growth, and easily accessible public transportation. These are all effective ways to ensure your home will hold its value over the years, as these are things homebuyers are looking for.
City Amenities
Another aspect to take into consideration when searching for a home is the public amenities in the area, such as police and fire stations, great school districts, and city services. People can sometimes discount the importance of city services, but it’s important to choose a city where the roads are maintained and paved, the streets are free of trash, and sidewalks are cared for, as these are things that could ultimately harm the value of your home in the future. Nearby police and fire stations usually mean that neighborhood is a safe one, as there are public servants ready to help at any time.
In addition to all the tips listed above, it can also be helpful to make a list of things you absolutely know you do not want in a neighborhood. This way, you can begin narrowing down your search and focus your time and energy on places that will work best for you and your future.
Originally published at erezcohen.net on September 7, 2018.
