When you’re moving to a new home, there’s always a lot to get done – packing, working with movers, coordinating logistics, paperwork, transferring accounts… the list goes on and on. But what about before you’re ready to take the plunge and pack up your things? We’re talking about house – or apartment or condo or townhouse – hunting. Before you decide on the perfect house to call “home,” your friends at DeVries Family Moving & Storage have outlined 4 key elements to consider during your ‘hunt.’ After all, living in a new place is about far more than the house itself!
Buying a New Home?
The Pricing
Before beginning a search for any type of new home, it’s important to stick to your budget. Whether you have money saved, are getting help from friends or family, or have already been approved for bank loans, make sure to stay in that price range. While it may be tempting to “splurge” on a dream home, the stress and burden of having to make payments you can’t really afford won’t be so dreamy. Consider using a realtor to find a place if you’re not sure where to get started or want a second opinion.
The Location
Location, location, location! We’ve all heard this famous phrase, and when it comes to picking real estate, it’s right on the money. Where you choose to live affects nearly all parts of your life—how long it’ll take to reach amenities and services that you need, how expensive or inexpensive your home will cost, how much land you can get, etc. Make a list of the most important aspects you’re looking for in your new home and search only in locations that will meet those requirements.
The School District
If you have children, schooling is a huge factor to consider before buying a home. Of course, you want the best education possible for your kids, so research the school districts, graduation rates and other important school statistics for the districts you’re looking in. An “average” house in a great school system will have far more long-term benefits than a “dream home” in a sub-par school district.
The Dreaded Commute
While location plays a large part in how far you have to travel for work, there are some additional factors to consider with the commute. For example, if you’re traveling into a big city every day, but your family has decided to move to the suburbs, relocating father away could still be a good idea if it’s close to public transportation, such as a train or subway station; etc. Explore what alternative commuting options are available if you and your family are looking for homes farther from your workplace(s).
While there are multiple factors to consider when looking for a new home, these essential four should get you on the right track. Once you’ve found your perfect home and are ready to move, count on the experts at DeVries Family Moving & Storage! We can help make your relocation quick, convenient and affordable, so you can get back to what matters: your family! Call us today for more information or fill out our quick quote form to receive your free estimate.