Selecting the right location for your next home

We know you’ve heard it before, but one of the most common phrases in house hunting truly is “location, location, location.” Think the phrase is fairly new? It isn’t! It appeared in a real estate ad in the Chicago Tribune in 1926 with numerous other appearances in both the US and Britain in the years following.

But what makes a good location? It all depends on you! Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the best location for your next home:

1. Schools. Have kids? Planning a family? Then schools are probably an important factor for you in the home buying process. Even if you don’t have children, when you decide to sell your home, this is one of the things many potential buyers care about.
2. Distance to work. Don’t forget to think about commute time. Take a test-drive a few mornings to see if the commute is something you can live with day-in and day-out over the long term.
3. Green space. Do you want to be close to parks and green spaces? Or do you want to have a big lot and some green space of your very own?
4. Close to the action. How important is being close to restaurants, bars and event venues? If you go out frequently, then you might want to be closer to the action. If you prefer time at-home with family and friends, then it may not matter as much.