THE DECISION TO MOVE
Making the decision to relocate is almost always difficult. You can be influenced to move by many factors. Do you want to upgrade, downgrade, change school districts, or find a better lifestyle? Moving can provide these changes for you, but can also be a hassle without the right guidance. We have some tips to help aid you in your search for the perfect home in just the right spot.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
What kind of climate are you looking for? Do you want a large amount of land or just a small front yard? Decide what you’re looking for before diving into the search. The internet is an excellent tool to research various regions and what they have to offer. You may be surprised to learn what areas align with your perfect idea of a home location.
Contact a real estate professional to save time and become more informed. They will help with home availability in areas you wish to review while advising you of the selling prices of the homes.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
If you have children, finding a home within an exceptional school district is probably one of your main concerns when relocating. There are several online resources for DIY research. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics offers helpful data and snapshot reports to help you compare districts. Use this and other free tools to stay informed.
There are also consultants who specialize in finding the best school for your child. If school district is one of your top priorities, consider hiring a consultant to help you navigate the maze of school choice.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
Do you enjoy fine dining or walks in the park? Perhaps both? Figure out how you would like to spend your free time and find a location that caters to your needs. If you enjoy hiking or other outdoor activities, maybe the middle of a busy city isn’t the best place for you. If you like a wide variety of restaurant choices nearby, you may not enjoy living in a rural area. Consider your choices carefully, and make sure you fully appreciate the amenities of your new home’s location.
TRANSPORTATION
Most of us would enjoy a shorter commute versus a longer one. Figure out travel time to and from your place of business. Get to know the traffic patterns of your potential new location. What seems like a short drive in the middle of the day may actually be quite taxing during rush hour. Do you use public transportation? Ensure that there are systems in place in your location of choice to get you where you need to go. If you have an electric vehicle, charging stations nearby could be a selling point for you. Travel frequently? A shorter drive to the airport could really help your trip time. Keep your needs in mind and make sure your commute is a sustainable one.
SAFETY
We all want to feel safe. Just like school districts, there are plenty of resources online to check safety statistics on your potential new neighborhood. These resources can prove invaluable, especially if you’re the type of person who likes being able to leave their door unlocked.
FUTURE PLANNING
Make sure the value of homes in the area you are considering is going up, not down. Are there potential new developments occurring? What will the neighborhood look like in the future? Know approximately how long you plan to stay in that location and choose accordingly.
Consider these and other tips when choosing a location for your new home. You and your family are sure to find contentment if you know your needs and plan ahead.
Ask a Capital City Home Loans representative if you have any questions or concerns. While purchasing a home may be stressful, it is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.
