Comparing homes and finding the right one to match your needs is only part of the journey to becoming a homeowner. Another part of the journey is to research an area before buying a home.

A great home with the right size yard and enough space to hold your stuff while keeping you comfortable is wonderful. But that same home can become a major thorn in the side if it is located 2 hours from your job or so far from your friends and relatives that you never get to see them.

There are a lot of items to consider when looking at prospective areas before closing on a mortgage. The average age of your neighbors, the presence of a nearby medical facility, local activities and the flow of traffic to and from the area are just a few things that will impact how much you enjoy your home.

It is a good idea to spend some time considering these things and be sure to research the area completely before making a major decision like buying a home.