Posted on May 16, 2017 by Miller and Smith Blog Team
The experts at Trulia recently conducted a study with Harris Interactive to reveal the factors that homebuyers have at the top of their list when looking to buy. The study showed that the majority of Americans surveyed (84%) identified the neighborhood as equally important, or more important, than the house itself. Although this may come as a surprise for some, Miller & Smith also knows how important the location of a home is.
We know the neighborhood you are going to live in carries so much weight in the decision of purchasing a home, which is why we are always looking to build our new homes in the perfect place! The bottom line is, no matter how gorgeous or perfect your home is, your surroundings also have to be a great fit for your family and your lifestyle. Most homebuyers recognize this, and are even willing to give up certain home features in order to find the perfect location, like a pool or a finished basement, according to Trulia.
So, let’s talk about what homebuyers want most in a neighborhood. Trulia’s study found that there was no debate between homebuyers about how safe a neighborhood is, as 80% said that safety was the most important aspect of a neighborhood. Not a surprise to homebuyers with children, the second most sought after aspect in a neighborhood is the schools.
In Trulia’s “The House is Only Half of It” hilarious commercial spots, you really get a sense of how important a neighborhood is, and it helps put everything into perspective. Everyone has different lifestyles and if you are on the fence about a neighborhood you are considering, while we have already covered safety and schools, take a look at some of the reasons that others love their neighborhoods below!
Walkability – Is it important that you and your family can walk to something nearby, such as a restaurant or store? Or are you okay with driving a few minutes down the road in exchange for other aspects of a community?
Open Space – If you don’t mind driving to the store and all you need is open space with a park or two, any Miller & Smith neighborhood will suit you. We know that no matter conveniently located you want to be to your favorite boutique, it’s important to get fresh air and sunshine!
Similar families – If you have kids, it might be important for you to move into a neighborhood with other families who have children so it’s easy to set up play dates, or send the kids off to the park together. If you’re looking for a quieter neighborhood, make sure it’s one where you still get a friendly vibe from neighbors.
Scenery – We aren’t just talking about sweeping valley views; we mean anything you see when you walk out of your home. Do you mind looking at a parking lot next door, or do you want other pristine new homes surrounding yours? While the answer might seem obvious, everyone’s priorities are different and it may not be a deal breaker for certain people.
These are not the only factors you should consider when purchasing a new home, but they are something to think about for you and your family! For more information about new Miller & Smith neighborhoods now open, be sure to check out our our community pages. If you’re planning a visit to any of our communities, you’ll soon realize that one visit changes everything!