IS LOCATION REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?

Almost everyone has heard the saying, "Location, Location, Location" when thinking about buying or selling real estate. Is Location really that important? In order to determine for yourself if location really is that important, ask yourself the following questions about the homes in which you develop an interest.

Once you are satisfied with the answer to these questions, you will be able make an informed decision about this major purchase in your life.

Features

 What are the good and bad features of the neighborhood?

Changes

 Are there any plans to change the neighborhood? If so, will they help or degrade the property value?

Traffic

 Is the property in an area with a lot of outdoor, seasonal activities? If so, will there be traffic problems or other problems created by the seasonal visitors?

Travel

 If you or your spouse will be employed, how far is it to your workplace, what public transportation is available, and how close is the nearest connection?

Schools

 What is the distance to the school your children will attend? Is it a good school? Does it demand that high standards be met?

Recreation

 How far is it to recreational, religious and other cultural centers?

Taxes

 How much are the taxes for the property? What is the history of previous tax raises? Why were they raised and for how much? How are property taxes determined?

Crime

 Check with the local police department to determine if there is a serious crime problem in that neighborhood or in adjacent neighborhoods?

Lifestyle

 What do the neighbors think of the area? The first thing they will tell you is what is wrong. Take a stroll of the immediate area and speak to those you meet. Try to get a good feel for the climate and lifestyle of the neighborhood.

Condition

What is the condition of neighborhood homes and how well are yards maintained? What is the neighborhood like at different times of the day?

Children

 Are there children of the same ages as your children in the neighborhood?