Home-Buying Process:
Factors to Consider in Housing Selection
Location
Where do you want your house to be located? Do you want to live in the city, a small town near a larger city, a suburb or in the country? Some questions to ask as you make this decision might be: Do you need to be close to public transportation or to your work? If both partners are employed, do you need to consider the distance between both jobs? If you have young children, is it necessary to be in a certain school system? How important is the security of the neighborhood? Do you need to be close to medical facilities? How much are the taxes in the area?
Once you have selected the major location there are additional things to think about in selecting a neighborhood. Your price range will influence the neighborhoods in which you look. Drive around a potential neighborhood. Are the properties well kept? Ask about the schools in the neighborhoods and drive from the neighborhood to your work or the schools at rush hour. Other things to check into are the crime rate in the neighborhood, the location of fire stations and fire hydrants (these can affect your insurance costs), and any air or noise pollution. Check to see if there are covenants in the neighborhoods that interest you.
If you look in a rural area, find out if there are zoning laws for building on vacant property. Locate stores, schools or any other services you need on a regular basis. Also check on the source and availability of water, electricity, telephone and Internet access, waste disposal, fire protection, public safety and other services you may need or desire.
Back to top
