Lifestyle Preferences and Home Buying

Equally important as location, lifestyle benefits are top priority when making a home purchase decision. Many buyers today are looking for a sense of community and belonging that also provides amenities, conveniences and a pleasant lifestyle.

As a place to start, have each household member put together a wish list of their top three lifestyle priorities. Some preferences to consider include the following:

• Convenience of commute to work – Do you need easy access to the highway or public transit?
• Access to public transportation – Are you like many home buyers who are opting to save money and decrease your carbon footprint by driving less?
• Proximity to shopping, dining, other – Would you like to live within walking distance to the grocery store, coffee shop or library?
• Family-friendly neighborhood – Is it important for you and your family to live in a community with a strong sense of family? One that offers community events like block parties or holiday festivals?
• Convenience to health and safety services – Do you need to live near a hospital or alternative healthcare professionals?
• Cultural attractions – Would you enjoy convenience to the theater, art galleries, golf courses or music venues?
• Recreational access – Do you live an active lifestyle and need access to open space and nature, the rec center, or bike paths?
• Dog parks – Is it important for your dog to “socialize” with other dogs? Do you want to be able to mingle with other dog owners?

It is important to set realistic expectations, and to be open and honest about your lifestyle needs and wants. Most online home searches will allow you to set parameters according to these preferences. Work with your broker to navigate listings so you can find the right home in the most ideal community.

About the Brokerage

Family-owned and operated for three generations, Turpin Realtors is the most successful and highly-lauded company representing properties in the Northern New Jersey real estate market. Whether you're looking for Basking Ridge houses, Chatham homes for sale or Far Hills real estate, Turpin is committed to serving the high-end luxury market. In addition to local coverage, Turpin is able to expose their client's properties both nationally and internationally through their affiliation with Christies Great Estates and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Committed to a high standard of customer service, Turpin provides a sophisticated blend of local expertise and global reach.