were cited by more millennials than marriage/upcoming marriage (25%) or the birth/expected birth of a child (19%). The neighborhood where you're going to buy a house must have no restrictions on pets — or livestock if that's something you desire. Do you raise American Staffordshire Terriers, also known as pit bulls? Some neighborhoods ban this breed. What about goats? Vietnamese pigs? Have you always wanted fresh eggs from your own chickens? Include your animals in location planning. Most pet owners choose wood or other hard-flooring over carpet, not wanting to risk pet damage or odors. An appropriate-sized fenced backyard is on the "needs" list for many pet-owning house buyers. Consider the arrangement of rooms and the house's structure to ensure it's suitable for your pets too. Traffic in the area could be another checklist item. Pet services, such as veterinary, grooming, and exercising, should be conveniently located nearby.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
You must limit your search to a neighborhood that offers the closest possible match to the kind of lifestyle you like and want to live. In addition, based on the 2021 NAR Generational Trends Report, 62% of homebuyers prioritized the neighborhood's quality as a reason for purchasing a house and the primary reason for their neighborhood choice. Location is so important that people are willing to give up "must-have" features to buy into their desired neighborhood — 72% would forget about a pool, 55% would lose a finished basement, and 33% would accept less square footage. What matters is living in a safe place with good schools. According to Trulia, 69% would drive through the neighborhood during different times of day to determine if the neighborhood was the right fit. You can't go shopping for a home without choosing a location where you'd like to live. Probably the most significant decision when buying a home is where it is.
18
Powered by FlippingBook