Location, Location, Location

No matter what type of home you decide to buy, the old rule holds true:

The three most important things to consider when buying a home are location, location, location.  After all, you can change everything about a home except where it is. (Okay, I know that technically some homes can be moved but really, would you ever want to attempt that?  :-O )

First, some basic things to consider.  Is your prospective home convieniently located, or will you have a long commute to the places you need to go?  Do you prefer a home in the country, or would you rather live in the suburbs or the city?  Do you want a property with a lot of land, or would you prefer a smaller lot that's easier to handle? 

Single folks need to consider the location factor very carefully.  If you're living on your own, first and foremost you want to live in a safe area.  You won't enjoy living in even the nicest house or condo if you have to keep doors and windows locked at all times, or if you don't feel secure going to and from your car at night.  A high crime area also detracts from the value of the home.  It can be tempting for those paying the bills on one paycheck to look at that cheap nice house in an "iffy" area and think, "well, maybe I'd be okay here if I'm careful." Stop right there!  How many of us are careful of our safety all the time?  If you live in a bad neighborhood, letting your guard down even once can have tragic results.  Can't afford a safe neighborhood?  Then put off buying and save until you can.  From both a safety and financial perspective, it's far better to buy the worst house in a good neighborhood than the best house in a bad neighborhood.

Love to socialize?  Then look for an area with lots of social amenities.  Remember, though, that while you want to be in easy reach of you favorite hangouts, it's not always a good idea to live on the same block they're on.  Restaurants, clubs, and bars can bring lots of extra noise and traffic to your neighborhood.  And oops!  If there's a bar in your neighborhood, keep in mind that patrons can very boisterous when closing time comes around (and hopefully they don't use your house or garden as a restroom!).

How's the parking situation in the neighborhood you're looking in?  While this may not seem like such a big consideration at first, keep in mind that there have been situations where neighbor has shot neighbor over a space.  Parking is at a premium in congested areas- if you buy in such an area, you may end up parking blocks away from your home.  And snow compounds the issue; you might've shovelled out a space, but that doesn't mean your neighbor won't take it when you leave!

Be sure to check out the school district you'll be living in.  Why should a single/no kids person care about the school district?  Because the quality of the school district will have a huge impact on the value of the home. A good school district will also have lots of activities going (band, sports, etc.) that'll help keep neighborhood kids busy and out of trouble.  And who knows, maybe  you will have kids someday, and lucky you- you're already in a good district.


And finally, it's a good idea to consider the demographics of the area.  A young, single person may not be happy in a neighborhood full of senior citizens or families.  Or maybe not- maybe that's just what your looking for.  Just remember- the neighbors make or break the neighborhood.  Look for an area that has a mix of people you'll enjoy living side by side with.

It can be a challenge to find just the right area, but once you find the right neighborhood, you'll have increased your chances to find a home you'll be happy in.