The chicken or the egg
Valerie has some great points about finding the neighborhood first, or the house - which is more imporant? I suspect for many buyers it varies, depending on what they are looking for.
Newer, outlying communities need for population density to hit a certain number to justify a grocey store (a facet we in NE FL are very familiar with), and the same can be said for those older communities that are re-emerging.
We guide our buyers to what they are looking for and what best suits their needs - thanks, Valerie!
What comes first, the neighbourhood or the house?
There are the three top considerations when buying a house - price, location and condition. The chicken and the egg are about first finding the house. What is most important?
The old adage of "location, location, location" should tell you that you choose your neighbourhood first and then you look for the house. Some people have told me that they will buy almost anything if they can live in XX neighbourhood, if they can live withing walking distance of the relatives (built in babysitters) or within walking distance of the synagogue. Others are picking their homes based upon commute times to work. Time is money, honey.
When presented with a vast array of homes located throughout the city or countryside, pick the neighbourhood first. Only look in those neighbourhoods but be ready for compromise. You many not find a new home in an old neighbourhood so your house is not going to be exactly how you envision it but your location will be. You may have to get slightly bigger or smaller than you want.
Learn what is important to you - shopping, schools, communte time, parks, access to water, etc and narrow the neighbourhood field to where you want to live.
You can always renovate and change a home but you cannot change the neighbourhood.
Buy where you want to live.
Photo credit: Chicken or Egg
email: vzinger@royallepage.com (613-723-5300)
Royal LePage Gale Real Estate, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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