Is Location that Important?

Many home buyers ask the fabled question, “Is location really all that important?” This is a valid question, as it is difficult to truly know what a home is like until the buyer moves into the home. That is when the true identity of the neighborhood is revealed. Are there train tracks nearby, is it near an airport, are the neighbors loud, or is the street a commuter shortcut? Knowing these factors beforehand can save a lot of remorse. These items are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to location.

Local Neighborhood – This term is used to describe the area that encompasses approximately two to three square miles around the prospective home. This entails many aspects: Stores for convenience and necessity, municipal services (fire, police, and hospital), school system, and convenience to major thoroughfares. See how close or how far preferred grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies are to the home. This may or may not be the deciding factor when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, but it can certainly influence a decision. Municipal services are important in two ways: An emergency response to your needs and proximity of say, a fire station to your residence. Fire engines are loud, and depending on the neighborhood, the responses could be great. This may become a factor at 2:00am, when the workday begins at 7:00 the same morning. The school system is a telling factor of the community, in general. Drive by the local school and observe the upkeep of the structure. A community that invests in education is a community worth living. If commuting is going to be part of the agenda, it is important to know how long it takes to get to work. Some areas have traffic that is backed up even before the highway. This can add a considerable amount of time to a morning commute.

Residential neighborhood – This term refers to the neighborhood that directly encompasses the home. It will include neighbors and all residents within a specific area (as many communities are gated or partitioned). This is an important factor in safety and security of the family. It will also become a factor if you decide to resell the house. If there are children, don’t hesitate to check online for convicted child abusers, etc. The upkeep of a neighbor’s home can undermine or enhance the value of your home. Make sure that they are clean and kempt. This applies to surrounding properties, whether they are neighbors or not.

Location is a strong determining factor to purchasing a home. It is important to know both the local and residential neighborhood before deciding on a home. When it comes time to resell the home, you will be happy that you took the time to do the research.

Lance Mohr is a full time professional Tampa Realtor specializing in New Tampa homes for sale and Tampa real estate.