Answer: Location remains the single most important factor when choosing a home. It can make or break the value and desirability of a home. Because everyone's preferences vary, your lifestyle will determine the best place for you to live. Some people prefer the suburbs while others thrive on downtown living. If you favor city living, find out what part of the city suits you best a fast-paced neighborhood or one slightly more subdued. Talk with the neighbors and keenly observe such things as traffic patterns, lifestyles, and even sounds and smells.

When choosing a town, take property taxes, schools, accessibility to work, services, recreation, and the character of the community into consideration.