As you search for the home that you are going to buy, there are many factors that go into the decision of WHERE you plan to live.

We all know the cliché about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION in buying real estate, but I want to take you a few steps beyond the obvious.

1. Proximity: Hopefully you have found a home relatively near the places that you visit most frequently: i.e. work, school, church, shopping, dining, etc.

2. Drive Time: You may have driven from the prospective home to other locations during the weekend or maybe at night. Be sure to check the traffic issues during the time(s) that you will most likely need to get to your destination(s).

3. School Districts: Even if you have no kids, or they are out of the house, I suggest you look at the schools in the area. The quality of the schools can determine future appreciation for your property. Please don't ask your Realtor what the "good schools" are. Ask them for some websites and do your own analysis.

4. Crime Rates: There are also other websites that can give you crime statistics and locations of sex offenders in the area. Also here, ask your agent for some web locations.

5. Flood zones: While sellers are supposed to disclose this, some sellers truly do not know if their property is located in a flood zone. Your agent should be able to pull this info for you. If the home is in a flood zone, I suggest that you not completely rule out the property. Many waterfront homes are in flood zones for obvious reasons. Just be aware of it and know your options for insurance.

6. Tax Rates: If you are searching in more than one area, be sure to check on the differences in the home-owner tax rates. There could be a difference of thousands of dollars yearly from one home to the next.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact me via e-mail or phone.

Happy Home Hunting! Life is good.