Home buying is difficult whether you know the area or not. If you're leaving a location you're used to, it can be overwhelming to decide on a new place to live. There are some questions you can ask to determine your priorities and whether a new location is a good fit. Here are some to begin with:
For many, the weather has a huge impact on quality of life. Whether your choice is based on personal preference or physical comfort, it's a good idea to take the local climate into consideration when thinking about a new place to live. Check out weather reports from local news outlets and research historical data like average rain, snowfall and temperatures throughout the year. This knowledge will help you decide how comfortable you'll be in a new location.
Don't stop thinking about your budget after you make your home purchase. The property itself is just the beginning of a new financial life. Knowing the cost of living in a new area will help you determine whether it's affordable to live there long-term. Research local property taxes, mortgage rates and nearby rent prices. Other factors like groceries, entertainment, utilities, gas and transportation costs will also affect your ongoing budget.
While it covers a wide variety of features, the infrastructure of a new area is important to become familiar with before you choose to live there. Infrastructure includes things like public transportation, city planning, schools, hospitals and other emergency services. To find out more about transportation, consult bus or train route maps and schedules. Find out how close your new home will be to healthcare services, basic amenities and other key features like major highways or busy streets. All of these details combine to create a living experience, and the more you know, the clearer your deciison will be.
Licensed since 1983 Donna is a well known and well respected veteran of the local real estate market. Donna has made her mark as both a manager of a brokerage firm and as an agent. Ms. Coakley McGowan has participated in extensive training in residential real estate and specializes in both Buyer and Seller Agency.
"I am extremely pleased to welcome an Associate of Donna’s caliber and expertise” said Judy Leonelli, Owner. "I have known Donna for many years and have admired her professionalism and talent for the pragmatic resolution to the difficulties that can arise during a transaction. When Donna is involved you know there will be a successful outcome.”
Ms. Coakley McGowan has lived in Upton since 1995 and knows the area and all of its attributes. She currently serves the Town of Upton and the Regional School District as Chairperson of the School Committee. She and her husband Mark and their two children reside in Upton.
