Are You a “House” or a “Location” Person?

Week 3 of the How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget Series

Let’s be real—buying a new home can be as exciting as spotting that first snowflake in the Rockies or discovering a new brewery with a killer IPA. But before you dive into the real estate game, there’s a little soul-searching to do. Are you in it for the house, or are you all about that prime Northern Colorado location? It’s time to figure out if you’re a “house person” or a “location person”—and no, you can’t say both (even though we all wish we could have it all!).

What Matters Most: The House or the Hood?

Imagine this: You’re daydreaming about your future home. What’s the first thing that pops into your head? Is it the perfect wraparound porch with mountain views, or is it the thought of walking to your favorite downtown spot for a morning coffee?

If you’re like most of my clients, you’re leaning toward one or the other, even if you don’t realize it yet. So let’s break it down: Which one are you?

1. Are You All About Location, Location, Location?

If you’re the type who gets giddy about the idea of strolling to a local farmer’s market, or if you need to be within a stone’s throw of the best hiking trails in Northern Colorado, you might be a location person. Maybe you want to stay in the same neighborhood because you love your neighbors, or perhaps you’re looking to move to an area with top-rated schools for your kids.

The beauty of being a location person is that you know exactly where you want to be, and you’re willing to make some trade-offs on the house itself to get there. Maybe that means opting for a smaller space or a fixer-upper in your dream neighborhood, but hey, you’ll still be walking distance from that killer taco joint, right?

2. Or Are You More of a Homebody?

On the flip side, if the idea of a custom-built kitchen with all the bells and whistles sends your heart racing, you might be a house person. For you, it’s all about the features—whether it’s a spa-like bathroom, a spacious yard with a fire pit, or a garage big enough for your outdoor gear collection.

As a house person, you’re more flexible on location. Sure, you’d love a short commute and a scenic view, but you’re willing to widen your search area to find the home that has everything on your wish list. And guess what? That flexibility can sometimes lead to hidden gems in neighborhoods you hadn’t even considered.

3. What’s on Your “Must-Have” List?

Now, before you start scrolling through Zillow, let’s take a little detour. Grab a pen, and make three lists:

• List 1: What’s non-negotiable about the location? Do you need to be near schools, parks, public transportation, or your favorite Northern Colorado brewery?
• List 2: What features must your home have? Is it that walk-in closet, a two-car garage, or a backyard that’s perfect for summer BBQs?
• List 3: What are your dealbreakers? Maybe you can’t stand street parking or you’ve sworn off one-story homes.

Once you’ve got those lists, take a step back. What really stands out? Are you more of a location person, or is it the house that’s calling your name?

Balancing Act

No matter which way you lean, there’s often a little give and take in the home-buying process. If you’re all about location but your budget is tight, consider a smaller home or a property that needs a little TLC. If you’re a house person but the location isn’t exactly what you dreamed of, think about how much that gourmet kitchen or spacious backyard will mean to you in the long run.

The good news? In Northern Colorado, whether you’re drawn to the vibrancy of Old Town Fort Collins, the tranquility of Loveland’s lakes, or the wide-open spaces around Windsor, there’s a little something for everyone.

I’m Here to Help

Deciding whether you’re a house person or a location person is just the beginning. As your go-to real estate expert in Northern Colorado, I’m here to help you figure out what really matters to you in your next home. Together, we’ll find the perfect spot—whether it’s all about the location, the house, or a little bit of both.

So, what’s it going to be? Let’s chat and get you on the path to finding your perfect home. And don’t forget, there’s more to come in this 8-week series, so stay tuned!

Next week, we’re diving into “The 3 Steps Most Buyers Skip When Buying a Home.” Spoiler alert: You won’t want to miss it!

Cheers to finding your dream home (and maybe celebrating with a local craft brew once you do)!