Relocating To A New Home
Relocation can be a stressful endeavor because it involves uncertainty and change. You can make the experience easier and more positive by asking yourself the following important questions before buying your new home.
How far will the commute be? What public transportation options are available? How bad is the traffic in the area you’re considering? Would you rather have a larger, less expensive home with a long commute, or a smaller home that is closer to work?
What is the neighborhood like? Do the people seem friendly? How far will you have to go for essential items like food and gas? Does the community have a “Neighborhood Watch” program?
If you are thinking about buying a home, are the surrounding homes more or less valuable? If they are significantly more valuable, then they could raise the appraised value of your home when you decide to sell it. (Unfortunately, the higher value may lead to higher property taxes too). Conversely, if the nearby homes are worth less than your home, they can drag its value down too.
Are there disturbing noises or lights such as a streetlamp shining through your bedroom window or a train that passes nearby? What is the quality of the local schools? Do they have programs that interest your children? What about the local churches?
How old is your house? Is it a fixer-upper? Will you have to pay more in utilities due to inadequate insulation? Will you need to spend a lot of time keeping up the yard?
Unless you like packing boxes and loading trailers, you’ll want to find a place you can live in for as long as needed. Weighing the answers to the above questions before buying a home can help you choose the best place to live when relocating.
Last 5 posts by Brandan Hadlock, with Direct Mortgage Home Loans
- Mortgage Crisis and Buying a Home - May 21st, 2008
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