We always get caught up in the idea of what our dream home looks like, how many bedrooms it has, if the closet is big enough for all your shoes… but WHERE you decide to settle down is just as important, if not more, than the features that your new home has. Buildings have the potential to change and even grow, but the location will remain the same. When you buy a home, you buy into that neighborhood.

Location, Location, Location – 

Just as important as the house!

No matter what kind of homebuyer you are: whether a first time homebuyer, or simply upgrading or relocating; it’s vital to take a close look at what neighborhood, town and surrounding areas. Everyone tends to have these ideas of how perfect their home will be, and that seems to overshadow everything that goes beyond the property line.

Buy with your head as well as your heart.

Buying a home can be a very emotional process, which can make decision making somewhat irrational. Look at the purchase of your home as an investment (because it is). Research the areas you are interested in, look at these from a financial perspective; are they in financial incline or decline? With this kind of information, you will be able to make a decision on the house based on if it will be a good financial investment. If you are struggling with this aspect, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your real estate agent!

Take advantage of the internet.

Do some online research beforehand. The internet is a great way to get to know the area. Grand Valley Real Estate Group’s website and online tools are valuable sources of information about Grand Junction and all that it has to offer, as well as information on the schools and their performance and ranking in the state. Also be sure to visit your town’s website if there is one. Below are the city websites for Fruita, Palisade and Grand Junction.

Visit your new neighborhood or town.

You won’t be able to tell how you like a certain town or neighborhood until you spend some time there. When you visit the areas of interest, you’ll get to know the feel and the lay of the land. It may be hard to do in the middle of your crazy life, but it is worth it to, at least, walk downtown or drive through the neighborhood. It’s crucial to finding an area that best suits your lifestyle.

It could also be very beneficial to helping you understand that neighborhood. The neighborhood could be really nice during a quiet afternoon, but during rush hour is loud and chaotic; it’s a good idea to drive through multiple times to get a real feel for the area.

Make a list.

What is important to you? Much like when you think about what features you want and need in your house, make a list of what you want and need in your neighborhood and town. Be sure to think about what is crucial and what can be sacrificed.  If you have a family, the school in the area may be important. Even proximity to a gas station might be important for those who have hectic schedules. What will the commute be like for work? Is it too long? All of these little details about the location of your home will impact your daily life- it’s important to think about them and know what requirements you have about where you live.

Consider your lifestyle.

Living in an area that suits your lifestyle will make your new home that much more enjoyable. If you have an active lifestyle, having a neighborhood that has sidewalks and is good for walking, or maybe running trails nearby is something that you want. Do you want to be in an area with a nightlife? Do you need to be close to the grocery store? Do you want to be near a University? These things may seem like small issues but they can make a big difference in your day to day life.

Look all around the outside of your home.

Last but not least, pay attention to the surroundings of what could be your future home. The outside of your home is just as important to pay attention to as the inside. Look around the neighborhood, talk to some of the people who live there. Is there primarily families or seniors? Do the houses seem too close together? Not close enough? Are the yards taken care of? Are there a lot of cars parked in the street? Pay attention to even the smallest details. The goal is to find your dream home, that includes it being in the perfect location.