Desirability of Homeownership and the American Dream
Are you seeking affordable homeownership and ways to pay below standards? Recent studies have shown that predictors like commute distance, proximity to extended family and "neighborhood walkability" are the new desirable amenities that impact the home buying decision greatly.
In 2009, of the homes sold, only 18 percent were new homes. Older more distinguished homes in the characteristically stroll-and-shop districts are popular choices and will continue to be admired, as money-conscious home buyers continue to make sacrifices.
Buyers are also choosing wisely with a household spending budget in place and adamantly telling all real estate professionals helping in the search what they plan on spending. Gone are the days of “I Want, I Want, I Want” and there is more spending with a plan in mind.
But the number one rule when buying a home still holds true – location is everything. To get an overall sense of what you really desire as a whole take a few trips around town. Check out other communities and you may also check out other counties and cities. The cost of living in one city can be considerably lower in another. But tread lightly - there are other considerations that many homebuyers never investigate;
• Are there any existing or planned neighborhood adverse facts that you should know about like a garbage disposal facility or a new medical facility being built that would impact traffic?
• Are there any problem neighbors? There is nothing worse than moving into a new neighborhood plagued with a nuisance that you never saw coming
• Are businesses thriving or departing in the area?
• Are the surrounding communities as desirable as the one you're considering?
• What's the condition of the housing market, not only local, but of the Region as a whole? Is it thriving, or is it depressed?
• What is the crime rate in that area? Are there any particular nuisances like car thefts and break-ins that will drive up the cost of your insurance?
• Any new building measures taking place in the near future? Developers everywhere are tearing down and re-building which can unfortunately make a quaint small-home-town look more like a bustling focal point when completed.
If you’re considering moving out of town a local real estate agent can pull all the nuts and bolts together to make the purchase and sale of a new home less painful. And it’s never as difficult as it sounds. It may be labor-intensive but rely on your real estate agent and their professional advice.
