Purchasing, selling a home, and even relocating is hardly ever merely about picking a place to hang your hat. In fact, it is quite the contrary. Given that they impact the lion’s share of your life, all real estate decisions invariably fall into the category of whole-life decisions. So, if you are starting your search for your dream home, it’s best to be specific about your needs and wants regarding not only the home but also the neighborhood where it is located. Here are some of the neighborhood amenities to look for when buying a house.
Access to fresh food
Proximity to a grocery store and restaurants is a highly desirable neighborhood perk among home shoppers. And although it shouldn’t make or break your choice on where to purchase a home, it can, doubtlessly, better inform your decision. Therefore, when scouting a home to buy, take the time to learn about where the nearest grocery store is. Also, since you’ll be shopping based on your family heads and budget, make sure that it is your preferred store. A nearby grocery store and restaurants will provide access to fresh food, and in turn, pay dividends in the form of home price appreciation or rental fees in the future.
Proximity to work
The efficiencies and conveniences of purchasing a home near your office are pretty obvious. For starters, although gasoline prices vary, one thing’s for sure – they’ve certainly eclipsed pre-pandemic levels. This resulted in many buyers beginning to prioritize urban areas when looking for a home to be closer to their offices. Many moving and working folk even ditched their cars altogether and started catching the bus or walking to work. Secondly, buying a home near work will give you back the valuable hours you would have otherwise spent on commuting.
Educational facilities
Quality educational facilities are another important amenity to consider when shopping for a home. If you have school-aged children, then finding a neighborhood with the right schools for your kids is a must. Even if you don’t, your potential buyers may. So, it counts as a smart investment either way. Keep in mind, however, that although living next door to the best college or high school in the city helps your home’s value, it also means:
- More morning and afternoon traffic
- Other drivers taking up that parking spot in front of your home
- Noise from kids participating in sports games and other outdoor school activities.
If you are prepared to cope with the downsides, make sure to check the school ratings on the local school district’s website.
Fitness options
Among the neighborhood amenities people look for when buying a house are fitness centers and gyms. Living in a home that’s a stone’s throw from a top-notch gym or fitness area is highly convenient for those who love to work out. Plus, people are becoming more and more conscious about health and fitness. In fact, gyms and fitness centers are slowly but surely turning into a standard requirement among homebuyers. Therefore, it can be a big draw for a pool of buyers when you put your home on the market. So, if you enjoy exercise, when the time comes to sit down with your realtor and discuss buying your dream home, make sure to mention this amenity while listing your needs and wants.
Parks and green spaces
A tiny correction here: green spaces are more than an amenity – they’re a necessity. There’s a growing body of research showing that spending time outdoors – even if it’s an urban park or garden – is essential for our emotional and physical wellbeing. Parks, walking trails, waterfronts, and sports fields allow city residents to exercise, relax and socialize. Ever since the pandemic began, green spaces have been more important than ever as they allow people to safely leave their houses, and enjoy the sun and fresh air.
Transportation
Yes, walkability is an important factor when choosing a neighborhood to buy a home. Still, you’ll want to leave the city at some point. So, you’ll want to have options for moving in and out of the area.
Is the home you’re checking out close to major roads? There are many nice communities near big cities, but sometimes it takes almost half an hour just to get to the freeway. Consider examining public transportation options that are close by beforehand, as well as proximity to the airport in case you get the itch to travel.
While on the subject of transportation, don’t forget that pros can make it easier for you to move into your new home, especially in a big city. Let’s face it, any relocation brings high levels of moving anxiety and stress. And, be honest, when was the last time you drove a massive rental truck loaded with a bunch of valuable possessions through a big city with heavy traffic? That’s best left to professionals.
Entertainment facilities
Is that home you decided to have a closer look at near museums, sports grounds, clubhouses, bars, movie theatres, or playgrounds? Entertainment facilities are also one of the important amenities to look for when buying a house. Why? Well, the answer is rather simple. These can make any neighborhood come alive. They’re important for youngsters, but also for those who need a little break from their busy schedules and de-stress. And, finally, if you plan on renting out your space, these facilities will prove real draw-cards for tenants who like to mingle.
Recent Comments