What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a location for your first home?

In my experience commute can be a deal breaker or deal maker when it comes to the location of a property. Time, money (think toll roads!) combined with time of day for travel, and how close the home is or isn’t to amenities, can be a difference maker. Making a pros and cons list simply from these outlined items and factors will help you make a decision on what you’re willing to compromise when the time comes to make the exciting choice to purchase a home. One other factor to consider is not only a commute to work, but also a commute to school. Do you have school aged children? Are you in school yourself? School commute for consideration is equally as important when looking at traffic patterns combined with work commute.

I agree, but I would also add into the mix thinking about if a property with a home owners association is right for you. Do you want management of the overall look and feel of your neighborhood? Or are you less concerned with governance and love for each home to have their own unique vibe? Thinking about what you value most out of a neighborhood might make this selection easier for you. Visualize how you see yourself not just now, but in your future self and what will be important to you. Home is where you hang your hat and amenities, neighborhood, and safety should top the list for importance within your overall decision making chart.

In my experience really thinking about the layout of the home is key. While a two story home may seem lovely at first glance, is the main bedroom upstairs? For mobility, are you able to make it up and down the steps safely? Is an aging parent living with you and will their room also be up a long flight of steps? This is why visualizing yourself in this home for the next 5-7 years is critical. How do you anticipate your life evolving over those years and will this floor plan meet those needs?