You’ve got your checklist. You know exactly what you’re looking for in a new home. Lots of closet space? Check. Room for the Man Cave? Check. Resort-style pool and spa? You’re ready to dive in.
But before you make that offer, be sure you’ve found what you’re really looking for.
Finding the perfect home isn’t just about all the fun features on your list. There are a lot of things outside of the physical home itself you should consider. With the average length of homeownership at 16 years (according to ipropertymanagement.com), you want to be sure you find a home that will meet all your needs – inside and out – now and for several years to come.
When making one of the biggest buying decisions of your life, be sure you factor in the following so you know what you should really look for when looking for a home.
Location, location, location!
When it comes to choosing that dream home, it’s all about “location, location, location.” There’s a reason the late British real estate tycoon Lord Harold Samuel is attributed to having coined that phrase. You can change almost everything about a house, but you can’t change its location.
Pay attention to how a house sits on a lot or property. What kind of view do you have? Are there streetlights right outside the windows? Can you live with that ugly utility cabinet in the front yard?
Neighborhood
Being in a good neighborhood ranks high on most home buyers “must-have” list. In a Zillow survey from 2020, the following neighborhood qualities were important for buyers:
- Feels safe: 83%
- Walkable: 66%
- Preferred neighborhood: 60%
- Proximity to shopping, services and/or leisure activities: 58%
- Optimal commute to work or school: 53%
- Offers a sense of community or belonging: 51%
- Close to family and friends: 50%
- In preferred school district: 44%
You can get a good feel about a neighborhood’s vibe by simply driving or walking through it. Look at traffic patterns, listen for noise levels and note how homes on any given block are maintained (or not).
Ask your real estate agent questions about the neighborhood to get a sense of whether it would be a good match with your lifestyle. You can also do some research on local government websites to find information on the median age of residents, level of diversity, socioeconomic makeup and number of families living in the area.
Quality of schools
If you have children or are planning to start a family, the quality of schools in the area can heavily influence where you buy. Being in a good school district can also enhance the resale value of your home. Free online platforms like GreatSchools.org provide ratings, reviews and other useful information about schools in different areas.
Safety and crime statistics
Feeling safe and secure in your home and neighborhood is paramount. When researching crime statistics and safety records, think in terms of the rates of violent and property crime. You can get this information from the local police department and other city and state agencies. Google “free crime reports” to find apps and websites to help you find safe neighborhoods.
Every fall, the FBI also releases comprehensive crime statistics. Another helpful resource you may want to check out is the National Sex Offender Registry.
Commute times and transportation
Your daily commute to work or other destinations can significantly impact your quality of life. Evaluate the proximity of homes you’re looking at to your workplace, public transportation options and major highways. Try using tools like Google Maps or Waze to help estimate commute times and best routes during different hours of the day.
Amenities and services
We all like to go out to eat, right? Consider the availability of essential amenities and services in the area, such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, recreational areas and entertainment options.
Future development and property value
Like we mentioned earlier, once you buy a home, chances are you’re going to be living there for quite a while. Thinking about what your new neighborhood might be like in the future is definitely something to think about.
Researching potential future developments in the area can give you insights into how the neighborhood may evolve over time – and influence a home’s value and the long-term impact on your investment. Check with a city’s local planning department or refer to real estate market reports for details on upcoming projects and trends in the area.
Knowing what you should really look for when looking for a home will make it easier to know when you’ve found the right one. You can also find and get some great information on available homes in your area on offerpad.com. If you’re looking to buy a home, check out our Buy page. Our local real estate agents are ready to help you find the perfect place.
Need to sell your home before you buy your next one? We can help there, too. And quickly. Just get a free, no-obligation cash offer to bundle buying and selling with Offerpad. You could save thousands!