“Location, Location, Location” — we’ve all heard the famous real estate saying. It conveys that where your house is located may be more important than almost every other attribute. It is the reason why a small, dilapidated beach cottage that is barely 1000 square feet will easily sell for over $1 million (sometimes more depending on what beach).

 

The phrase has ultimately been attributed to a real estate tycoon from the 1800s, but that is up for debate since it seems like as long as real property has been transferred, people have heralded the importance of location. 

 

Here are 5 things to consider with LOCATION that you might not think about:
1. Fire Zones – Is the property close to a high fire zone? The home could come with some defensible space requirements, and the cost of homeowners insurance could be high or unavailable in certain areas.
2. Flooding – With the recent heavy rain storms, many properties experienced flooding near or on their property. Are you on the south side or below street level or is the home on a hill? 
3. Private Road – Several neighborhoods in Southern California have private roads. Although the privacy of that type of street is desirable, you may have maintenance responsibilities or different parking restrictions. 
4. Busy Thoroughfares – You can’t move the house once you buy it. If you are writing up an offer on a busy street, KALEO agents encourage buyers to visit at different times of day to see how difficult it would be to get in or out of the driveway and to get a better understanding of how much traffic there will be. 

5. Future Developments – Is the home near the Gold Line? A new housing development? Is the neighborhood being built into mixed-use buildings with storefronts? Investigate what is happening close to the property to see what it will be like to live there long term. 

 

Southern California has so many great locations. Some of the locations brag about their centrality (close to Disneyland, the beach, and access to freeways) and other locations brag about their serenity (Big Bear Cabin with a view, or large property in North San Antonio Heights). When a KALEO agent represents you as a Seller, that KALEO agent will promote the best qualities of your property. If you own a home in a prime location, then it is likely you could choose to not do any repairs, not budge on price, and still get multiple offers.

 

Whether you are considering purchasing a home and want more information on the California Dream for All Program, or you are about to offload an investment property or inherited home, call me today! KALEO agents are in the business of real estate and serving their clients with the utmost integrity and fiduciary duties. 

This content is not the product of the National Association of REALTORS®, and may not reflect NAR's viewpoint or position on these topics and NAR does not verify the accuracy of the content.