Buying a home is more than just finding the right number of bedrooms. It is about your commute, your children’s school, and where you order dinner from on a Saturday night. It is about the community, local events, and where you get your coffee from on your way to work. Buying a home is about you and your needs, and a new home should not merely meet your needs; it should exceed your expectations. Embarking on your home search can seem daunting, especially when comparing different neighborhoods, but these tips will simplify your home search and help you zero in on the neighborhoods that best fit your lifestyle.
Schools
If you have children or plan to have children, schools are a great way to narrow down your home search. You may want your children to go to a particular school, so you should move neighborhoods within those districts to the top of your list. Even if you do not have children, good schools increase the value of your home which could be important to you for future resale.
Commute
When you are looking for a new home, it is important to consider your work location and determine your ideal commute. Figuring out how much of your day you are prepared to dedicate to travel to and from work will help you eliminate neighborhoods outside of that area. On the contrary, if you work from home as a result of COVID-19, you will probably want a designated home office. In that case, you can add a home office to your list of must-haves to help you narrow down your search.
Price Point
The price point is crucial to the home buying process as the price per square foot will vary in different communities. You should research the median home prices for different neighborhoods to help you eliminate any areas that are out of your budget. This can also help you better determine your top priorities. You may opt for a smaller home in the best community or you may be willing to venture farther out in order to check off all of your must-haves.
Lifestyle
Do you frequent parks and trails? Do you brunch on Sundays with your friends? Do you enjoy entertaining? Do you like gardening? These are all items to consider as you are narrowing down neighborhoods in your home search. Perhaps you want to be close to parks or restaurants. Maybe you want to have a large indoor/outdoor entertaining space or a garden to grow your own herbs. Taking inventory of your life and the activities that are most important to you will help you find neighborhoods that are tailored to your lifestyle.
Community
Similarly to thinking about your lifestyle, consider your community's expectations for your new home. Whether you prefer an active community with weekly farmers markets or a quieter, more private community, this can help you focus on specific neighborhoods. A good way to get to know a community better is to explore it. Go for a drive, grab lunch at a local hot spot, or go for a walk. Experiencing your future community can help you decide if it fits your needs.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents are the experts. They have a pulse on the market and know the nuances of various neighborhoods. Enlisting the help of an agent can ensure that you are focusing your home search in the right areas based on your wants and needs. Not to mention, agents often know about homes that have not hit the market yet, potentially expanding your options.
Using these tips can help guide your home search to determine which neighborhoods and communities align best with your lifestyle and current and future home needs. Happy home hunting!
