House-hunting can be a daunting task, often leading to burnout, particularly when none of the prospective homes meet your expectations. Is there an alternative approach? A recent trend of town-hunting before house-hunting is gaining traction and for good reason. We spoke to experts to understand how exploring neighborhoods or towns that align with your preferences before investing in your dream house can be beneficial.
Hannah Malone from Howard Hanna Coach Realtors in Long Island emphasizes that considering location should be your initial priority. “When I first engage with potential buyers, I always encourage them to identify their non-negotiable aspects, and location consistently tops the list. The reality is, you can always modify the appearance, style, or size of your home, but the one thing you cannot alter is the location,” Malone points out.
The concept of town-hunting offers several advantages. Before evaluating prospective neighborhoods, consider these key questions.
What’s Your Vibe?
The concept of town-hunting proves highly advantageous, given that each town possesses its unique vibe, ambiance, and defining features. Therefore, before embarking on the search for a house, focusing on finding the right town is key. “Narrowing down your choices to one to three locations as a starting point for your search is crucial for a successful house hunt without feeling overwhelmed,” she suggests.
Spending time in the areas under consideration is the best way to ascertain if a particular location aligns well with your preferences. Given the widespread availability of short-term rentals in almost every area, one effective approach is to rent a place for a week or a weekend in each town or area you are contemplating, she advises. “Immerse yourself and experience life there. 、
Evaluate the layout of the area. Observe the community. Determine if there are restaurants and stores you prefer. Assess the availability of activities that align with your interests. Visit and explore. Essentially, test-drive the areas you are contemplating.”Rick Llanos of Coldwell Banker in Los Angeles emphasizes that the key to understanding a neighborhood is to actively explore it.
Engaging with the neighborhood by walking around and immersing yourself is the optimal way to determine its suitability for you. Take a break for coffee or lunch at a local cafe where you see people gathering, interact with shop owners, visit the farmers’ market (if available), walk your dog in the neighborhood, and initiate conversations with fellow dog owners,” he advises. “Residents are usually enthusiastic to share insights about their neighborhoods, providing both the positives and any drawbacks of the area.
What’s Your Work Situation?
Consider your daily commute from home to work, and vice versa. Are you open to spending more time commuting for the ideal neighborhood? Clarifying your stance on this matter is crucial.
Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve noticed that many buyers are less fixated on proximity to their workplace compared to the past. Perhaps the realization that remote work is possible has expanded the range of viable neighborhoods, even those farther from their workplaces,” says Kristen Tostado, a licensed realtor at Coldwell Banker in Los Angeles. “Having to travel to the office once or twice a week with a lengthy commute has become more manageable. We now have buyers who are eager to explore a broader range of neighborhoods, not being tied down by the necessity of commuting to work.
Are Schools Important?
A fantastic house loses its appeal if the area lacks quality educational institutions, especially for families with children. “When searching for the ideal town or neighborhood, schools hold paramount importance, especially for families with children. In Los Angeles, neighborhoods endowed with excellent public schools are highly prized,” says Tostado. “Families are willing to invest more in a home situated within a reputable public school district, given the steep rise in private school costs. The savings from opting for public education can then be directed toward their monthly mortgage payments, ultimately putting them in a more advantageous position.