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Home Location & Orientation Should Be Top Priority Decisions

August 20, 2018

We’re sure that we don’t have to remind you that when it comes to real estate, the golden rule is location, location, location. While this ubiquitous phrase is every home buyer’s mantra, there is a good reason why the phrase has stood the test of time. Where your home is located is just as important as what kind of materials your house is made of, how many rooms it has, or even if your living room is open plan. Location may not stoke the fires of your imagination as much as how your house looks, but trust us when we say that a bad location can ruin any good home. When looking for a new home, there are several ways to think about the location of a house and all are equally important. First, there is proximity to goods and services, then there is proximity to neighborhood features, and finally, there is orientation. You might be able to guess at what the distinctions are between these three factors, but if it isn’t immediately clear why each type of location is crucial to your future home buying decision, then we here at New Tradition Homes have made this handy explainer to clarify. We want to give you as much information as possible before you purchase a new construction home and location is the first step to getting the house of your dreams. So take a look at the different ways that location can impact the value of a home and the important things to consider before making your decision. Proximity If you’ve ever made the painstaking trek to the office during horrible rush-hour traffic then you are probably familiar with the desire for proximity. Being in a good location means that your home is within decent range of your place of work, as well as the grocery store, post office, the public library, and wherever else you frequently visit. According to a story published by The Huffington Post, a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau found that for a focus group of about 1,000 workers in San Francisco, the ideal commute time was about “16 minutes.” The study found that lower commute times contributed to lower levels of stress and overall well-being. The only problem is that many of us don’t get to pick where we work, nor where it’s located, and many Americans spend “90 minutes” on “mega commutes” getting to and from our office spaces. This means that the only remedy to a life stuck in the car is to find a location for your home that cuts away at your commuting time. You might not get the perfect “16-minute” commute, but selecting a location that is within a comfortable amount of time can drastically change how you feel about where you live. Additionally, things like easy travel times to community centers, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife are desired by many, increasing your appreciation for your home now, as well as the resale value when it comes time to sell. At New Tradition Homes, our new construction homes are in ideal locations in Washington state. We pride ourselves on our properties across the region and know that we can find the perfect location for any of our customers who are ready to build with us. Proximity to Neighborhood Features Of course, having a good neighborhood is possibly one of the best parts of moving to a new location. You might not be able to control who lives around your new home, but there are certainly ways that you can hedge your bets that your new neighborhood will work for you. First, it’s important to consider how your neighborhood looks. The look of your neighborhood is not only important for you to consider as an occupant of your new home, but it is crucial for your home’s resale value. Studies have shown that neighborhoods with large trees, landscaping, and green or community spaces are all amenities that can raise a neighborhood’s stock. A good neighborhood is centrally located and has more than one point of entry. Additionally, consider if the neighborhood where you want to buy not only has value today, but potential for the future. Is a new school going to be added to the community? Is there a hospital nearby? Will there be more access to public transportation? Each of these can add value to your home and your neighborhood. At New Tradition Homes, the communities where our new construction homes are built provide both access and community life. Our homes in both Clark County and the Tri-Cities are ideal locations with dynamic neighborhoods that will add value to your home. Orientation Orientation is all about your lot and where your home sits on this lot. It all has to make sense. Sun-facing, roadside, or tree-adjacent; where your lot is located can make a huge difference in your day-to-day experience. For example, homes near busy roads tend to be less desirable, as are homes that are close to commercial properties like gas stations or parking lots because of noise pollution. Similarly, the orientation of your home can either be a point of pride or a point of frustration. You might have heard of the idea of “flow,” and we’re here to tell you that flow is very real and very important. Our stylish homes make the most of your lot’s space. Whether you’re looking for a two or three bedroom home, we have many different floor plans that will work for any size family. Don’t get stuck in a property that makes you feel cramped or has no natural light. Choosing the right floor plan for your home can make all the difference. Additionally, consider which direction your home faces. If you want to watch the sunrise as you awake and your master bedroom window faces the front yard, then you’ll want a home that faces East. If you’re a huge fan of natural light but your bedroom faces north, then you won’t be as satisfied with your home. That’s why careful consideration should be paid when selecting the lot where your home will sit. At New Tradition Homes, we strive to make our customer’s dreams come true. Our new construction homes have brand new stainless steel appliances and our custom home design studio will assist you as you create a home that is as unique as your family’s needs. So, are you ready to take the plunge? Reach out and we’ll make sure to design the perfect home for your family and take all necessary considerations into mind, like location and orientation. Let’s get started!