Is buying a new home on the top of your ‘to-do list’ this New Year? Then, chances are you’re wondering where to make the start. There’s a lot of money, time and effort involved in making this very important decision for your family. So, it’s a good idea to start by selecting the location of your new home.

Selecting the area in which you want to live depends on three main factors - your financial capabilities, your needs, and the city or the state you choose to live in. First, you need to get your finances all worked out. How much can I afford to pay as the initial payment? How much will the bank lend me? Do I have enough money to last me through the entire buying process? And don’t forget to have a contingency plan, you might need some extra cash while doing up your new home or while moving in.

Then, list out your needs. Do you want to live in the city close to your place of work? Do you want to stay in the suburbs in a house with a big yard for your kids to jump around and play? It’s always a good idea to check out the neighborhood to see if there are good schools, hospitals and playgrounds nearby. Don’t forget to calculate the time it takes to commute to and from your workplace or you might spend most of your time traveling, rather than living in your new home.

Third, find out which part of your city or state fits in with your needs. For example, if you are looking for Arizona new homes, it would be a good idea to check out AZ homes for sale in areas surrounding Phoenix, rather than within the Phoenix city limits, where rates are much higher. In general, areas such as Peoria, Buckeye and Avondale are more affordable. Plus, you get to enjoy vast open spaces, clean air and a relaxed lifestyle in a friendly neighborhood. What’s more, you’re very near to the city and can travel back and forth within a short time. AZ houses in these areas are mostly spacious single family homes ideal for a small family. The Arizona real estate market has seen a steady appreciation rate and stable pricing, but look for a reliable Arizona home builder if you choose to buy a home here.

But when it comes to Illinois real estate, the story is altogether different. You need to move quiet a distance away from Chicago to find Illinois homes that are really affordable. That’s the reason that Illinois home builders are focusing on areas like Matteson, Lynwood, Cortland, Plainfield and Harvard. Illinois homes for sale in these areas are mostly single family and multi-family homes. These Illinois homes are well-planned and come with playgrounds, neighborhood schools and hospitals. They are built on spacious lots and are far less crowded that Chicago. However, the real estate market in Chicago and its surrounding areas is vibrant and ever-changing. So, investigate future infrastructural projects in the area and calculate the cost of living before zeroing in on a particular location.

If you are looking to buy a new home in Arizona or Illinois, Montalbano Homes are just the people to turn your dream home into a reality. They have more than 32 years real estate experience in areas surrounding Chicago and Phoenix. Choose from affordable single and multi-family homes that are delivered to the buyer, on time, every time. Visit Montalbano Homes

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