Of all the many decisions that go into buying a home, location is often the most important. Why? Because it is the one thing you can't change. You can change the appearance, amenities, even size of a property… but it is where it is and there isn't anything you can do about that but find a different location if it doesn't fit your sense of place.
In choosing a location it is important to define not only what you want close by… but also what you don't want close by. The same thing may be a positive for one person and a negative for another. There is no right or wrong answer, only what is right or wrong for you at this point in your life.
Some questions to ask yourself about 'your' neighborhood…
- What is the area like? What do you see, hear, smell?
- What is nearby? Is is important to able to walk to anything?
- Does it seem likely that future development might change the feel of the neighborhood?
Is it important to be near or away from…
- public transportation/highways/airport/trains
- parks/trails
- creeks, lakes, rivers
- schools/libraries
- local coffee shop
- grocery store
- shopping (large or small scale)
- restaurants
- theaters
- medical facilities
- health club
- church
- friends/family
- whatever you do in your free time
- work (both now and future)
- other…
Google Earth is a wonderful tool to help scope out a location and what is nearby. Every home has a buyer, so it isn't a matter of what is a good or bad location…it is a matter of finding the right location for you!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email – HomesMSP.com
RELATED POSTS
