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Homebuyers: Consider Your Commute Before Buying
If you're looking for a home to buy, you're probably prioritizing what you most want to have in your new home. Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and yard size are always important, but make sure to also consider the length of your commute. This mainly includes the length of time it takes you to drive to and from work, but you should also take into account how close you'll be located to schools, stores, restaurants, and other places you'll likely drive to on a regular basis.
What you need to know about factoring in your commute time when buying a Minneapolis home:
Growing commute times
Commute times are tending to get longer rather shorter in most areas, with an average of about a 25-minute drive one way. If you're buying a home near a major city, this can be even greater.
Looking for a home in the suburbs may allow you to get more of what you want for the same amount of money, but there may be a tradeoff involved. You may end up trying to strike a balance between where you can afford the best home and surroundings for the money and the length of your commute.
The cost of commuting
If you choose a home that has a fairly long commute, you may be able to find lower-priced houses from which to choose, but you should also consider the costs of commuting. You'll need to pay for gas and car maintenance, of course, but you may also face increased auto insurance rates as a result of a long commute.
Financial costs are certainly important, but a long commute can also have an impact on your day-to-day quality of life. Time spent on the road is unpaid, and it can take away from time spent with family and friends or on hobbies. You may experience stress and feel burned out if your commute is too long. This can affect your home life as well as your career, and may even take a toll on your health.
How to prioritize
Home prices may be cheaper if you move farther out of the city, and you may be able to get more home for your money. But you'll need to figure out what's most important to you. Could you be happy with less square footage or a smaller yard in order to shorten your commute? Or does a home with a longer commute check off many more wants and needs from your list of what you're looking for?
When you're considering your commute, think about the type of driver you usually are. Do you tend to relax behind the wheel and listen to your favorite podcast, audiobook, or music? Or do you seethe at other drivers and feel stressed by the time you arrive at your destination?
Our real estate agents at Counselor Realty have the experience and market knowledge to help you make the best possible decision when you're buying a new home. We know what homes in a particular area usually sell for and can let you know about the local market and what you're likely to find. Call today, and we'll give you the information you need when you're buying a Minneapolis home.
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