Regardless of whether you are moving out, moving on, or moving up, there are a few things to consider when deciding where to buy your next home. Sure, it is easy to fall in love with a beautiful home but it is more important to love the area than the home. You can easily change the interior of a home but you cannot change what is right outside your front door. Here are my top 5 things to consider when deciding where to buy a home.
1. Real Estate value in the area
Do you want the nicest home on the block or a home on the nicest block? Depending on your taste, preferences, and goals, you will need to give this question some serious consideration. If you do not plan to stay in your home over the long-term, you will want to choose a desirable neighbourhood where houses sell quickly and you are unlikely to lose your initial investment. If you are looking for an area undergoing regentrification, then buying the nicest home in the neighbourhood may be the right choice.
2. Affordability
There are gorgeous homes in every neighbourhood. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know exactly what you can afford and where those homes are located. You will enjoy your home, and your life, much more if you are living comfortably within your means. To understand the true cost of your new home, factor in additional costs including property taxes, community fees, and home insurance.
3. Crime rates
Believe me, crime happens in every single neighbourhood but some areas see more activity than others. If you are concerned about community safety, look up the crime rates and statistics for different neighbourhoods. Calgary Police Service regularly updates their Crimes Web Mapping Application which allows you to check out what kind of activity has been reported across the city. This online tool is available here: http://crimemap.calgarypolice.ca/content/DisclaimerPage.aspx.
4. Proximity to amenities
Do you want to walk to the grocery store and have your children walk to school? Do you need to access public transportation? When searching for a neighbourhood, take into consideration your lifestyle, driving habits, and needs. It typically makes the most sense to settle somewhere that gives you easy access to things like work, school, shopping, and services. Maybe you want total and utter privacy. If that is the case, let your Realtor know that high-density urban living is not for you.
5. Neighbourhood size
Calgary has neighbourhoods that range from a few hundred people to a few thousand people. Both big and small neighbourhoods have many advantages. Knowing what you want to get from your neighbourhood can help you determine which areas might be the best fit. If you want a highly developed neighbourhood that houses most of the amenities you need on a daily basis, you may want to consider one of the bigger Calgary developments. Smaller Calgary neighbourhoods are great for people who want a bit of that small town feeling while living in a large city.
Take some time to talk to your Realtor about the different things you should consider when deciding where to buy a home. A good Realtor will be able to help you find a home you love in a neighbourhood that you never want to leave!