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Top 5 Considerations Before You Buy Your First Home in the Suburbs

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Real Estate Agent

Top 5 Considerations Before You Buy Your First Home in the Suburbs

Buying Your First Home in the SuburbsThere are many reasons why first time home buyers decide it's time to buy a home in the suburbs. You've probably heard quite a few of those, such as, "I can't afford to buy in the city", "We can't find an apartment big enough for all our stuff", "We want a better school district", "My dog wants to run on the grass"...ok, maybe not that last one. Any reason that makes you consider a move is important.

In addition to the financial pre-approval process to determine how much money you can borrow for your mortgage, here are my Top 5 Considerations Before You Buy Your First Home in the Suburbs:

1. Transportation to Work. SoRelaxing during your commute is a benefit of using the commuter railmetimes your commute to work will be shorter from the suburbs than it is from the city. For example, if you live in Boston or Cambridge and commute to a company between the Rte 128 and I-495 beltways, you might find you can significantly reduce your commute time if you buy a home in the suburbs. 

If you work in the city, click on the different MBTA commuter rail lines for the station(s) closest to where you'd like to live in the suburbs.  Even towns that don't have commuter rails are sometimes only a few miles from a MBTA station in another town. Sometimes, more than one commuter rail line will work for towns located between them. Wouldn't it be nice to relax during your commute? 

Find out about the parking options at the commuter rail stations. Some are owned and managed by the MBTA and some by the towns.

2. Will You Need to Buy a Car? If you've been relying on public transportation, you may need to buy a car when you move to the suburbs. Many towns do not have public transportation systems. You'll probably a need a car to get to the supermarkets, gym, malls, etc. In some of the large suburbs, you may be able to live within walking distance of restaurants, shops and town offices but will still need a car for other activities. TIP: When you are already in the process of buying a home in the suburbs, check with your lender before spending an additional large sum on a car as that will send up a flag regarding your debt-to-income ratios.

Access to social life is important in choosing your new home3. Where Do Your Friends Live? If your friends are moving to the Suburbs that may motivate you to become a first time home buyer, too. However, if your social life currently revolves around getting together with friends in the city after work or on weekends, moving to the suburbs may mean your social life changes, too. 

4. Are You Ready For Everything to Close at 9 p.m.? There are so many things to do in the Suburbs, especially outdoors! Weekends can be filled with Farmer's Markets, hiking, museums, ball games, and family activities, just to name a few. If you're used to going out at night with your friends, there aren't a lot of things to do in the suburbs after 9 p.m. 

5. Ready for Repairs and Maintenance? It's a great feeling to have your own home! Along with the freedom to decorate, keep a pet, make more noise, use the washing machine whenever you like, etc. there are some other things to consider. Homeownership comes with new responsibilitiesWill you be doing the lawn mowing and yard maintenance yourself or will you hire a landscape company? What about shoveling out your car and driveway before heading off on snowy mornings? If you have a sidewalk in front of your house, you are most likely responsible by law for keeping the sidewalk shoveled, ice free and safe for pedestrians. 

Homes require repairs, maintenance and upgrades are critical for keeping your home enjoyable and your biggest asset from losing value. If you are a handy-type of person, you may be looking forward to doing many of these projects. Other things may require budgeting so that you can hire a licensed contractor. 

If you are thinking about buying a house in the Suburbs, text or call Nina Rogoff at The Results Team, RE/MAX Executive Realty, 781-883-3764 so we can talk further about finding the right town and the right property for you! I can help make the process less stressful and less time consuming for you. My goal is to provide you with the information you need to make the best possible decisions along the way.

What other considerations have you heard people talk about? Any stories about things people wish they had known before moving? 

Always here to help you achieve your real estate goals,

Call Nina Rogoff, The Results Team, RE/MAX Executive Realty to buy or sell a home in Massachusetts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by

Nina Rogoff and The Results Team!

RE/MAX Executive Realty

781-883-3764

www.ninarogoff.com

Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Interesting thoughts here, Nina!  Buyers need to consider many.

Aug 29, 2018 04:44 PM
Nina Rogoff

Lots of first time home buyers making the move to life in the suburbs! 

Aug 29, 2018 07:45 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Nina Rogoff those are very good tips for buying the first home in the suburbs.

Aug 29, 2018 05:07 PM
Nina Rogoff

Thank you, John Pusa ! So many different reasons why people move! A first time move to the suburbs has its own unique considerations. 

Aug 29, 2018 07:47 PM
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Nina, great post and information for buyers. 

Well done.

Aug 29, 2018 09:37 PM
Kathleen Vetrano
RE/MAX Gateway - Falls Church, VA
Helping YOU Achieve YOUR Dreams

Nina, such a great post with real life facts.  I know both the city and suberb life style and you are right on point.  Great details and information that buyers often don't think about.  The facts and knowledge of a great REALTOR for sure.  Excellent!

Sep 12, 2018 07:24 AM
Nina Rogoff

Thank you, Kathleen!

Sep 12, 2018 08:20 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Lifestyle is a definite consideration between living in the city or in the suburbs. And dogs do sometimes get a vote! Fenced yards, dog parks, and nature trails are all popular in the burbs.

Oct 07, 2018 06:02 PM
Nina Rogoff

I know my dog would want a vote! Lol! Buying in the suburbs is one way to help your dog get out and about in nature!

Oct 07, 2018 06:15 PM