Homebuyer Questions: What to Ask About a New Location

by Tony Carter, Realtor® 01/16/2022

Home buying is difficult whether you know the area or not. If you're leaving a location you're used to, it can be overwhelming to decide on a new place to live. There are some questions you can ask to determine your priorities and whether a new location is a good fit. Here are some to begin with:

How's the Weather?

For many, the weather has a huge impact on quality of life. Whether your choice is based on personal preference or physical comfort, it's a good idea to take the local climate into consideration when thinking about a new place to live. Check out weather reports from local news outlets and research historical data like average rain, snowfall and temperatures throughout the year. This knowledge will help you decide how comfortable you'll be in a new location.

What's the Cost of Living?

Don't stop thinking about your budget after you make your home purchase. The property itself is just the beginning of a new financial life. Knowing the cost of living in a new area will help you determine whether it's affordable to live there long-term. Research local property taxes, mortgage rates and nearby rent prices. Other factors like groceries, entertainment, utilities, gas and transportation costs will also affect your ongoing budget.

What's Infrastructure Like?

While it covers a wide variety of features, the infrastructure of a new area is important to become familiar with before you choose to live there. Infrastructure includes things like public transportation, city planning, schools, hospitals and other emergency services. To find out more about transportation, consult bus or train route maps and schedules. Find out how close your new home will be to healthcare services, basic amenities and other key features like major highways or busy streets. All of these details combine to create a living experience, and the more you know, the clearer your deciison will be.

About the Author
Author

Tony Carter, Realtor®

My wife, Cindy and I, moved to Florida 9 years ago from Wisconsin, where we were born and raised. I proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed overseas and in The Gulf War. Became a member of The American Legion and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). After, the Military, I got into the retail business for the last 25 years. During my last position, in the retail. I was second-in-charge of a 125 million dollar a year business. Thatis where I developed my passion for customer service and taking care of the customer. With that passion, I became a full-time licensed Realtor in the state of Florida. I understand that real estate is not just a transaction but an important personal decision, a decision that may need guidance. I am here to answer any questions and guide you and your family through the process. Whether buying for the first time. Purchasing a condo, single-family home, investment property or a time-share on the beach. I am the exclusive Realtor for the Mariner Beach Club in St Pete Beach, Florida and for the Island Gulf Resort in Madeira Beach, Florida. Please feel free to contact me with your real estate needs directly at cell 262-894-8135 or via e-mail at [email protected] or website; www.TonyCarterRealEstate.com. Timeshare on St. Pete Beach, Florida. www.TonyCarterRealtor.com. Video of the Mariner Beach Club, St. Pete Beach, Florida. www.imagemaker360.com/141537. Website to the timeshare at Madeira Beach, Florida. www.IslandGulfResortFlorida.com