The home search can be a quick process for some people, but for most, it’s a long journey. That’s because when you make the decision to purchase a home, you’re making an important lifestyle choice. There are many features and factors that you will want to consider as you make your home purchase, but some of the most important features have nothing to do with the actual structure of the home. Before you purchase a home, make sure you explore the area around the home. The location matters more than almost anything else.

Take a Look at the Street You’ll Be Living On

When you visit a new home with your realtor, you’ll naturally notice the curb appeal of the property. However, it’s also a good idea to check out the street you’ll be living on, for a number of reasons. For one, you’ll want to know if the street is a busy street, how close it is to the main road, and whether or not there is a lot of foot traffic nearby. You’ll also want to take a look at the other homes on the street. Are they nicer than the home you’re buying? Does your home stand out architecturally or in scale? The features and style of the homes around you may ultimately affect your asking price and the future list price of your home.

Explore Your Neighborhood Before You Buy

If you zoom out a bit from the house itself, you should also explore the neighborhood where you’ll be living. It’s a good idea to time the drive to nearby amenities during different times of the day to get a sense of what your lifestyle will be like. How long does it take to drive to the elementary school in the morning? How quickly can you get to the grocery store in rush hour traffic? Knowing your commute to work and other common stops will also be helpful. You don’t want to commit to a daily 45 minute drive without realizing you’ve done so!

Decide What’s Important to You and Make a List

Before you start your home search, it’s a good idea to prioritize the features that are important to you within your home. How many bedrooms do you need? How important is the size of your backyard? Knowing the answers to these questions makes it easier to search for the right home, and the same is true for your neighborhood. Decide what kind of lifestyle features are important to you and prioritize the list so that you know where to focus your search. This information will also be helpful for your real estate agent.

The Swanson Group Will Help You Find the Right Neighborhood

The team at The Swanson Group has tons of experience with the real estate business, and an extensive knowledge of Omaha and the surrounding area. If you’re searching for the right neighborhood in Omaha, talk to The Swanson Group. To begin working with Bill, Chris, and Faith, contact The Swanson Group in Omaha, NE by calling 402-679-6566.