Liveability Factors When Buying a Home

There are many things to consider when buying a home that’s right for you and your family. Beyond the typical real estate criteria – bedrooms, bathrooms, finished basement, big yard and a white picket fence – liveability is an often overlooked but essential part of a happy home. Unlike a home’s physical structure and finishing touches, its location is the one thing you can’t change, so paying extra mind to this characteristic can pay off. Check out this list of the main liveability factors that you should consider when finding your next home.

Location

Location is a major factor that defines a home’s overall liveability, and should be a key consideration when buying a home. Try not to get too caught up in the emotional side of the house hunt and overlook important factors related to location, such as how busy the street is, what the noise levels are like in the area and the future of the neighbourhood.

Proximity to Schools, Services & Work

When house hunting, take into consideration the potential home’s proximity to places of interest, such as hospitals and grocery stores, as well as restaurants and other shops. If these are spots you visit frequently, you don’t want to be driving a great distance to get gas or pick up dinner. Schools are also an important factor to consider for parents, not just location wise, but also the reputation of the school. Being close to good schools is also great for resale. Commute times are another important factor to consider when house hunting. Studies show that, the shorter the commute time, the happier the person.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle is a huge factor to consider when buying a home. If you’re an outdoorsy person who enjoys activities like hiking and biking, being close to lots of green spaces and bike trails might be something to look for. If you are active in your community, consider looking for a home that is close to cultural, community and athletic centres. Taking your lifestyle into consideration when purchasing a home can help ensure that you continue living a life that you love.

Current Status & Future Plans

Taking your current status and future plans into consideration when house hunting is essential. Do you currently have kids, or are you planning on having kids in the near future? Do the homes you’re looking at work with that plan, or will you need to move up to a bigger home in the future? Regardless of what your plans are, evaluate your current situation and look at where you may be in five or 10 years and if the homes you’re looking at make sense.

Be Prepared to Compromise

“When searching for a home, homebuyers may need to make certain concessions to their personal liveability criteria to get the most of what they deem important in a neighbourhood, in addition to what they can purchase within their means,” says Christopher Alexander, President of RE/MAX Canada. “This is true, not just for first-time homebuyers, but for all buyers, especially as affordability continues to be top-of-mind for many Canadians. That’s why working with a professional realtor who can help navigate the market for what’s realistic and advise on what neighbourhoods best suit the needs of the buyer is key. They also act as a local guide, shedding light on the ins-and-outs of different neighbourhoods and how they fit within one’s goals.”

Ready to find the next great neighbourhood to call “home?” A RE/MAX agent will be happy to show you around.