Picking the Right Place Before You Pick the House

You can repaint a room or replace old floors, but you cannot pick up a house and move it. That is why many buyers settle on an area first and then look for homes there.

Here are the main things to weigh as you compare places:

• Your drive. Time the trip to work and your usual stops at the hours you really travel.

• Your costs. Property taxes, insurance and utility bills change from county to county.

• Services. Ask if the home has city water and sewer or a well and septic system. Check which internet providers serve the address.

• Flood risk. Look up the address on the FEMA flood map and ask an insurance agent for a quote.

• Errands. See how far you would go for groceries, a pharmacy or medical care.

• Rules. Ask about HOA rules, recorded covenants and zoning, mainly for land or outbuildings.

Each setting has trade-offs. In town, you may get shorter drives and city services, but ask about lot size and traffic. Out in the country, you may get space and privacy, but ask about the well, septic, internet and road access. Near the coast, ask about the flood zone, insurance and storm prep.

Then go see the place for yourself. Drive the commute at rush hour instead of on a quiet Sunday. Come back in the evening and on a weekend. Stop at the closest grocery store and gas station. If you can, look at the street after a heavy rain.

If the area you want costs more or has few homes for sale, decide which factors matter most and which you could trade. A slightly longer drive might open up a bigger lot or a lower price. Look at nearby towns and neighboring counties too.

Read the full guide: How to Choose the Right Location for Your Next Home on SoutheastGaRealEstate.com, with more detail, a FAQ and local home searches.

Text COUNTIES to 912-420-1663 to get Julie's county-by-county guides.

Julie Mock, REALTOR®, Georgia license #430345, Weichert, Realtors® – Webb & Associates, 95 Bel-Air Dr., Statesboro, GA 30461. Call or text 912-420-1663. This article is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Brokerage office 912-764-9722. Each Weichert® franchised office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.