By Daniel Boylan, President DLB Custom Homes, Inc.

Now more than ever – whether buying or selling real estate – LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is top-priority with consumers. But one can make a case that lifestyle is often the tipping point in our decision-making process. In fact, these two variables – location and lifestyle – often go hand-in-hand when buying a home.

For many of us, our decision depends on a standard number of variables that include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Proximity to work, schools and amenities
• Cost of housing and property taxes
• Municipal services (i.e.: police and fire)
• Healthcare services (i.e.: hospitals and pharmacies)
• Neighborhood controls – CCRs and HOAs

With that said, DLB Custom Homes, Inc. has seen a renewed emphasis on getting back to the basics. Our clients are positioning themselves for the long-term, buying in communities – like Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott – that are on the fringe of greatness, or perhaps even tell a story or live out a buyer’s childhood memory.

Priorities are changing and creating new variables for consideration that dig deeper into how homeowners want to live “moving forward.” These priorities are not necessarily dictated by the standards listed above. Instead, they are lifestyle considerations that include:

• What does my community/neighborhood offer in terms of community involvement?
• Is this a place that my entire family can spend the holidays together?
• Are there trails for biking, hiking, walking?
• Are there neighborhood stores (mom and pops) that my kids, grandkids can walk to get a snack?
• What architectural controls are in place – not only to allow creativity and individuality but also to protect my investment?
• What facilities are available to me (i.e.: fitness, golf, dining, recreation)?
• What is the strength of the development? Is the developer going to stay true to the vision?
• What amenities are offered within walking distance of my community?
• Can my kids, grandkids play in the front yard, streets and parks?

Many of these questions can just as easily be used to analyze the appeal of a community’s location. “Are there trails for biking, hiking, walking?” – Well, are you buying in an urban environment or rural one?

“Is this a place that my entire family can spend the holidays together?” – That depends, is it centrally located between family members and does it offer the type of climate you wish for around the holidays?

When buying your next home, consider the point-of-view that the location of your community has a lot to do with the type of lifestyle you can expect. Take both into careful consideration before signing on the dotted line, as they are equally important when it comes to your long-term happiness as a homeowner.