When you think of the old real estate adage, “location, location, location,” regarding the three most important things to look for in a real estate purchase, you probably think of a specific area of town. But there's more to the idea of location than just what neighborhood the house happens to be in -- a lot more.
The neighbors, the school district, the size of the lot, the distance from shopping, the potential for natural disasters, and the weather all become part of the equation. Looking for the right location could be a bigger issue than most people realize when they start looking for a home. Here's what to think about.
Location Truly is the Biggest Issue
While it's possible to change a lot of things about a house over time, it's not realistic to change the location. Sure, some people do actually have houses moved, or they buy a mobile home, tiny house, or RV to live in. But for most people, the location of the house they buy is where they'll be living. So it's important to make sure that location fits their needs, wants, and goals for the future.
If you're not sure what that location looks like for you, some research is in order. Finding what “feels like home” is a goal for most people, but they might have trouble with it because they aren't looking for enough. If they're searching in Minnesota, they probably aren't considering houses for sale in Cape Coral, for example. But expanding the search could lead to a better location.
Weather is a Happiness Factor
Understandably, it's not always possible for a person to pack up and move. It's also not realistic to visit every area of the country to find a new place to live. But online research coupled with clear knowledge about preferences, job options, and life goals can help people who are looking for a new place to live find the location that's going to be the best fit for them at that point in their life.
The weather affects people's happiness levels. A lot of people become more depressed when the weather is cold, cloudy, and gloomy. There are also some people who thrive on that, and would really prefer to have that kind of weather instead of sunshine and hot temperatures. For anyone with the option to move or relocate, finding the right weather and climate can make a difference.
Considering weather when considering location is the way to add to the happiness you're looking for in finding a new home. Houses for sale in Cape Coral, where the weather is warm and sunny, are going to be very different from houses in a place like Seattle, where it's frequently rainy and cool. Which type of weather a person likes best should factor into their location decision, if possible.
The Right Area Adds to Quality of Life
Location decisions generally involve things like crime rates, traffic concerns, schools, lot sizes, job commutes, and more. The reason those kinds of things matter so much, is that quality of life is partially based on all of them. Having a short work commute, for example, can mean more time at home with your family. Low crime rates can help you sleep better at night, as well.
When you're looking for houses for sale in Cape Coral, Minot, Seattle, Atlanta, or anywhere else, make sure you consider the little things as well as the big things. If you really like a quiet setting, a neighborhood with a lot of small children might not be the right fit. If you want to be close to everything, country living may not work. There are a lot of factors to look at, and everyone is different.
Don't Settle for a Lack of Comfort
Comfort matters. After all, you may be living in the location you choose for a long time. Even people who move to a particular place temporarily often find that they end up staying longer than they originally planned to. You want to have a comfortable home, and a location you can feel good about, where you don't feel out of place or struggle to make a good life for yourself and your family.
Before you buy a home, carefully consider the options you have and the kinds of things that are most important in your life. Focus on those, and rank them to decide which ones are most vital to your enjoyment and success. When you do that, you'll be able to choose a location and a house that's a good fit, so you can settle in and start enjoying your home and the location you've chosen for your life. Whether you live there a few years or the rest of your life, you want to be comfortable and happy there.
