How to Choose Where to Live: 10 Questions to Consider Before You Move

A guide to finding a home you love in a place that truly feels like home Deciding where to live, whether it’s for a short while or a lifetime, involves weighing many factors. These range from broad concerns like the local job market to more specific details like whether you'll miss having your favorite coffee shop or a nearby dog park. When thinking about "Where should I live?", it’s helpful to picture your life over the next few years. What matters to you now may shift as you go through different life stages. To help you avoid regrets, here are some practical tips and considerations to help you find a place you'll love coming home to: 1. Is it close enough to the important people and places in your life? Think about proximity to the people and places that matter most, like family, friends, work, healthcare, and daily essentials like grocery stores. Consider how much time you’re willing to spend commuting, whether it’s by car, public transportation, or other means. 2. Is it too close to things you’d rather avoid? Think about your preferences. Do you enjoy peace and quiet, or do you thrive in busy areas? Look for things that might create noise or disrupt your daily life, like fire stations, transit stops, or busy highways. 3. What’s the job market like? If you're moving for work or looking for a new job, research the local job market. Consider if the area is close to job centers with opportunities that fit your skills and pay a livable wage. 4. How much will it cost to live there? Look into the cost of living, home prices, rent, and local taxes. Make sure the area fits your budget, both now and in the long term. 5. How much control do you want over your property? Some neighborhoods, especially those with homeowners associations (HOAs), may have rules about what you can do to your home or yard. If you value control over your property, be sure to check for any restrictions. 6. How walkable is it? Consider whether the area is pedestrian-friendly. Are there sidewalks, crosswalks, and easy access to parks, shops, and services? A walkable area can save you on transportation costs and make daily life more convenient. 7. Is it near green space? Access to parks and green spaces can improve your quality of life. If you have pets or enjoy outdoor activities, make sure the area has nearby parks or nature trails. 8. What kind of climate can you expect? Think about your climate preferences. Do you enjoy all four seasons, or would you rather live somewhere with mild weather year-round? Also, be aware of microclimates, which can create variations in temperature within the same city. 9. Does it meet your safety and security needs? Consider what safety means to you. This could involve researching crime rates or looking for areas with amenities like parks where children and pets can play safely. 10. How important is a sense of community? Think about whether you want a strong sense of community. Are there activities or groups that align with your interests? Are there social spaces like coffee shops, parks, or community centers where you can connect with others? Additional Tips for Deciding Where to Live: Consider the pros and cons of your current neighborhood: Make a list of what you like and dislike about where you live now to guide your search. Visit the area at different times of day: Get a sense of the neighborhood’s vibe throughout the day by visiting at various times. Try a short-term stay: Consider renting for a short period in your desired neighborhood to see if it’s a good fit. Work with a local real estate expert: Real estate agents can offer valuable insights about the market and help narrow down your choices based on your needs. Whether you're renting or buying, take the time to research and visualize yourself living in the area. Make sure it feels like the right fit before you commit.

Tax Benefits for Homeowners

Learn about tax deductions that could save you money just for being a homeowner when tax season rolls around Owning a home comes with its own set of rewards and challenges, especially during tax season. Depending on your situation, homeownership can help reduce the amount of income taxes you owe through a combination of tax deductions and credits. Deductions reduce your taxable income, while credits lower the amount of taxes you owe after calculating your deductions. Whether you're filing taxes for the first time as a homeowner, after a refinance, or after selling a home, it's important to understand the deductions available to you. Below are some key tax deductions for homeowners as the filing deadline approaches. Standard vs. itemized deductionsWhen filing taxes, you have two options: take the standard deduction or itemize your expenses. The standard deduction reduces your taxable income by a fixed amount. If your itemized deductions (such as mortgage interest) exceed the standard deduction, it makes sense to itemize. Here are some tax deductions available to homeowners who itemize: 6 Tax Deductions for Homeowners Mortgage interest deductionIf you financed a home purchase or took out a cash-out refinance, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt. Itemizing can be worthwhile if your total deductions exceed the standard deduction. Deductions for second homes or vacation homesMortgage interest on a second home can be deducted, as long as the total interest for your primary and secondary homes doesn’t exceed the $750,000 limit. This applies whether the second home is a house, condo, or even a boat with living facilities. Property taxesProperty taxes are deductible, up to a combined limit of $10,000 for state and local income, sales, and property taxes. Home equity loan interestIf you used a home equity loan for home improvements, the interest may be deductible, provided the total mortgage and loan don’t exceed $750,000. Mortgage points and origination feesOrigination fees and points paid on a mortgage can be deducted as prepaid interest, which may reduce your tax bill. Capital gains from selling a homeIf you sell your primary home, you can exclude up to $250,000 in profit ($500,000 for married couples) from your taxable income, provided you lived in the home for at least two of the last five years. 3 Tax Credits for Homeowners Mortgage interest tax creditAvailable to first-time homebuyers through certain assistance programs, this credit allows you to claim part of your mortgage interest, up to $2,000 per year. Energy-efficient home improvement creditThis credit lets you claim 30% of the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, such as heat pumps or solar water heaters, up to certain limits. Residential clean energy property creditYou can claim 30% of the cost of installing clean energy systems like solar panels or geothermal heat pumps in your home. This applies to both new and existing homes. Non-Deductible Expenses Some costs of homeownership, like private mortgage insurance, utility bills, or homeowners insurance premiums, are not deductible. Additionally, costs related to down payments, title insurance, and principal mortgage payments are not deductible either. Remember to consult a tax professional to see how these deductions and credits apply to your specific situation.

6 Common Reasons Homeowners Experience Buyer's Remorse After Purchasing a House

Three out of four homebuyers admit to having at least one regret about their purchase. Follow these tips to avoid buyer's remorse In a competitive seller’s market, it’s easy to get so caught up in finding a home that you overlook potential downsides or fail to think about whether it will meet your long-term needs. This often leads to some form of buyer's remorse after living in the house for a while. That’s what happened to Mary Germany Gibson when she bought her home in Columbia, Tennessee, in 2021. "We love our home," Gibson said, "but we regret having all four bedrooms upstairs. We should have taken more time to find one with a primary bedroom on the main level." Mary’s experience reflects a common theme among homebuyers—rushing the process and not taking enough time to find the right fit. Many buyers also regret overspending, exceeding their budget, or compromising on key features. Buyer’s remorse after purchasing a home is actually quite common. Many recent buyers have reported having at least one regret about their purchase, with a large number admitting they had to make compromises to afford their home. We gathered insights from homeowners who’ve been through this experience to help you avoid the common pitfalls of rushing into a purchase or settling for something that doesn’t meet your needs. Keep reading to learn how to make a choice you’ll be happy with in the long run. Reasons people feel buyer's remorse after purchasing a house Too much maintenanceSome homeowners regret buying a house with too much upkeep. One person mentioned that if they could do it over, they'd opt for a condo with a smaller yard, as maintaining a large one can be overwhelming. There's nothing more frustrating than watching a once-beautiful garden fall into disarray because it’s too much to manage. Lesson for buyers: Know your limits—physically, mentally, and financially—and consider what you’re realistically willing to maintain. The home is too smallAnother common regret is not considering how the space will suit your lifestyle. One homeowner wished they’d held out for a place with a larger kitchen and dining area, as they love to entertain, but their current setup makes it difficult. Lesson for buyers: Focus on what makes a home functional and enjoyable for you. Keep a list of "must-haves" and make sure the home you choose fits your needs. Wrong locationSome buyers love their home but regret the location. For example, living on a busy road with constant noise or too far from conveniences like grocery stores can take away from the enjoyment of a new house. Lesson for buyers: Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and on different days of the week to get a sense of what it’s really like. Test your commute and consider proximity to places that matter to you. Older home needing repairsBuying an older home can seem appealing, but some homeowners regret it once the repairs start piling up. One homeowner found themselves replacing the roof, fixing the sewer, installing a new water heater, and rebuilding the deck—all within two years. Lesson for buyers: Always get a thorough inspection and consider a home warranty. Have a budget for renovations and be prepared for the unexpected. Overlooking the surroundingsSome homeowners regret not paying enough attention to their surroundings. After living in their home for two years, one buyer found themselves wishing for more privacy and a bigger lot. Lesson for buyers: Consider the environment around your home. Some features, like space and privacy, are hard to change and should be factored into your decision. Not doing enough researchOne buyer bought a newly built home but didn’t research the builder enough. As a result, the home wasn’t finished properly, and they spent a lot of time chasing down the builder to fix issues. Lesson for buyers: Take time to research before making a decision. Whether buying new or existing, know the builder, agent, and lender to avoid unpleasant surprises. Other ways to minimize buyer's remorse Avoid distractions: It’s easy to get swayed by pretty features like a nice kitchen or staging, but the most important factors are layout and location. These are much harder to change. Take a break: If home shopping feels overwhelming, step back and take a break. Many buyers have found that a pause helped them reassess and avoid rushing into a decision they’d regret later. Love your neighborhood: Make sure the location works for you. Consider things like commute times, walkability, and access to public transportation to ensure you’ll enjoy living there. Align your priorities with your budget: Work with a good agent to make sure your list of priorities is realistic within your budget. Create a checklist of needs versus wants to keep you on track, especially if you're shopping with a partner. By knowing where you're willing to compromise and what’s a deal-breaker, you can avoid many common regrets and make a confident home-buying decision.

12 Surprising Things No One Tells You About Owning a Home

Experienced homeowners share the surprises they encountered, the things that made them happy, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way Most homeowners will tell you how excited they were when they first bought their home. But after some time, they'll also share the surprises-both good and bad. From the joy of having their own space and making memories to the shock of hidden costs and never-ending maintenance, there's a lot more to homeownership than they expected. We asked first-time homeowners on Facebook about “the unexpected things everyone should know about owning a home.” Over 4,600 people responded, offering helpful advice for anyone wanting a real look at what homeownership is really like. What caught homeowners off guard after buying their first home? How much upkeep is involved — especially with a single-family home One of the biggest surprises for first-time homebuyers is the maintenance. The amount of work it takes to keep a home running, the costs involved, and how it feels like it never ends can catch people off guard. "Everything breaks down," recalled homebuyer Dawn Alexander-Martin about her early days of homeownership. "The washing machine stopped working, water leaked through our sliding door when the snow melted, and the worst part? The driveway sank into a 3-foot hole." Alison Miller, a real estate agent from Branchville, N.J., also pointed out that “things happen, even when the home is well-maintained.” These costs can add up quickly, especially if you have to hire professionals for repairs instead of handling them yourself. The amount of maintenance required varies depending on the type of home. For instance, condos typically need less maintenance since homeowners associations manage common areas like the exterior, landscaping, and shared spaces. Condo owners are mostly responsible for maintaining appliances and the interior of their units. Some things you'll quickly learn: how fast grass grows, why cleaning your gutters is crucial, and how to handle a clogged drain. Homebuyer tip: Keep a cash reserve for emergencies. If your home’s appliances are old or major parts like the roof have been neglected, repair costs can be significant. Be realistic about your limits and what you’re willing to take on. 2. The rising and unpredictable costs of property taxes and homeowners insurance When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you might assume your monthly payments will stay the same throughout the loan. However, those payments often include property taxes and homeowners insurance, which your mortgage servicer collects in an escrow account to pay on your behalf. These costs tend to rise over time. "Taxes and insurance will go up," said Sandi Diana-Schultz from Lombard, Illinois. "It's inevitable. Be sure you can afford more than what you're approved for, because even with a fixed-rate mortgage, these expenses will increase — sometimes faster than expected." Homebuyer tip: Keep an eye on your escrow statement, both at closing and as you make payments. This will show you how much of your mortgage payment goes toward taxes and insurance, not just the loan itself. 3. How much you can actually benefit from tax write-offs Gilbert Arciniega recognized the cost and time commitment that comes with homeownership but pointed out that the absence of landlords and potential tax breaks are major advantages. “The big benefit is being able to write off interest on your taxes," he said. "And, of course, freedom! No landlords dictating how you live, and you can do (almost) whatever you want with your house." For information on the potential tax benefits of owning a home, read Tax Benefits For Homeowners. 4. How much your neighbors can impact your quality of life As much as you might love your home, the people living around you can greatly impact your experience, for better or worse. "Get to know the neighbors!" advised Lee West. "Don't just drive by. Walk around, chat with them, and get a feel for the area. There's nothing worse than buying your dream house and realizing you're in a nightmare neighborhood." Bill Lawton echoed the sentiment: "Before you buy, meet the neighbors! They can make or break your experience and even affect the value of your home." Donna Petraglia added, "For me, it's all about the neighbors—not just the neighborhood, but the people you'll be seeing and hearing every day when you step outside." Cindy Weina had a positive experience, sharing that she ended up with "great neighbors who are always friendly and willing to help," which made her home life much more enjoyable. Homebuyer tip: Visit the home and neighborhood during different times of the day when people are likely to be out. Pay attention to the noise level and activity, especially if you have a unique schedule. You don't want to finish a late-night shift only to discover your neighbors all start mowing their lawns early Saturday morning. 5. How much you actually need to know to maintain a home Remember when something broke, and you just called the landlord to get it fixed? Now, that responsibility falls on you. From heating and air conditioning systems to appliances, plumbing, and even sewer lines—if something goes wrong, it’s up to you to fix it or hire someone to do it. "Know your house," advised Gloria Hernandez Denison. "Learn about the sprinkler system, water and gas shut-off valves, the hot water heater, and other key components. Be prepared to fix things." Adele Kaminsky Grudman expanded the list, mentioning the cost of utilities, taxes, yard or pool maintenance, and addressing potential hazards like lead paint, asbestos, radon, or even maintaining a sea wall if you have one. Homebuyer tip: Get a thorough inspection before purchasing to minimize surprises. Create a budget for future repairs, and price out renovations in advance so you’re prepared for the unexpected. 6. The consistent monthly living expenses, even when the real estate market fluctuates Robin Herrera said buying her home was the best investment she ever made. “When the stock market drops, your money can disappear, and you have to wait for it to recover—and often pay fees for someone to manage your investments,” she explained. “But with a home, even if the housing market dips, you still have a roof over your head. Unless you’re in a hurry to sell, you haven’t really lost anything because it’s still your home. Sure, there’s maintenance, but unlike a car, a home’s value tends to increase over time.” 7. How outside factors can impact your property Many factors can affect what you’re able to do with your home. If your home is in a subdivision with a homeowners association, you’ll need to follow their rules. Additionally, county zoning laws or future projects could alter the character of your neighborhood. Marie Camp from Lexington, South Carolina, shared her experience: "We didn’t realize we had pipelines on our property, so we couldn’t build a shed or stop them from cutting down trees. Be very, very careful." Cathy Mccoy from Monticello, Illinois, emphasized the importance of checking nearby properties: "If your property borders anything other than roads or homes, look closely! Abandoned railroad tracks, cornfields, or empty lots—anything that can change might affect your home life." Homebuyer tip: Research the property thoroughly and check with your county planning department to see if there are any long-term plans that could impact your neighborhood. 8. Maintenance is ongoing, not a one-time task. Some things need regular upkeep on a schedule Some systems in your home need regular inspections and maintenance. Homeowners pointed out a few key things to keep in mind: "Your furnace and air conditioner need servicing every year," noted Paula Himmelstein from Amelia, Ohio. Another homeowner, Seever Lakes, advised, "Drain your water heater yearly and check the anode rod. If you have a septic system, learn how to maintain it. And don’t forget your house 'breathes'—keep your plumbing vents clear, clean out your dryer vents, and have a fire extinguisher on hand." Gerri Lamb Roberson from Marietta, Georgia, added, "Stay on top of routine maintenance—clean your gutters, check your roof, and know when to repaint or replace exterior pieces. It’s all about being proactive." Homebuyer tip: Create a maintenance calendar and stick to it. Regular upkeep can prevent bigger issues down the road. 9. Learning the unique quirks of your home There’s a certain comfort in getting to know the quirks of your home. Just like a car you’ve had for a while, your house will "tell" you when something needs attention. Homeowner Harlain S. Ruff advises, "Listen to your home. Learn what sounds are normal and which ones might signal an issue. It takes time to recognize these patterns." He also noted that each season brings different concerns. For example, he discovered two pipes in his home tend to freeze when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. In the winter, he prevents this by opening cabinet doors and running a little water through the pipes at night. 10. You’re responsible for repairs in your condo, even if the issues were there before you moved in Dan Mortimer thought he was done with maintenance headaches when he sold his single-family home of 42 years and bought a condo. However, he quickly found out that the building’s maintenance had been neglected, and he was hit with a special assessment to cover repairs that should have been addressed long before he moved in. Homebuyer tip: Work with a real estate agent experienced in condo ownership to help you through the process. Make sure to review all the details before signing a contract, ask to see the HOA’s meeting minutes, and pay close attention to their financials. 11. How attached you become to your home and the satisfaction you get from making improvements Living in a home for any length of time creates memories and emotional connections, especially when you've put your own effort into improvements. Leaving those memories behind can be tough, particularly if you’ve worked on projects that left you with a sense of pride. “It’s surprising how attached you can get to something you’ve changed,” wrote Amy Ulrich. “I replaced a faucet and found myself thinking, ‘Wow, I did that! It’s so much better.’ It seems silly, but little things like being able to wash my hands or fill a glass of water more easily can feel like a big deal.” Gail Driscoll added, “You might fall in love with your home and find it really hard to leave — the blessing and the curse.” It can be difficult to accept that the next owner will create their own memories in the space. As Brenda Pinkston put it, “When you sell, all those wonderful memories you made in the house don’t add to its value. Someone else will paint over them and start making new ones.” 12. The deep satisfaction that comes from knowing the home is truly yours Judy West shared her pride after adding shade trees, an orchard, archways over entryways, and finding deals at estate sales and end-of-season sales to improve her yard and make her home more enjoyable for entertaining. “Every improvement you make," she said, "you can stand back and proudly know, 'It’s yours!'" No more surprises: We break down the hidden costs of buying and owning a home.