The house is wonderful! But before you buy, carefully check the location to be sure this is the house you want to buy.

Where will family members go most often from this new location? How easy is it to reach those places from here? How accessible are schools, churches, grocery stores, medical care, public transportation, shopping malls, and neighborhood services?

What is the view from the house and yard? Is the yard right for your anticipated activities? What uses are possible for nearby undeveloped land? Is a new road planned?

Is rush hour traffic a problem? What will be the impact of special events like local high school games or church picnics?

How easy is it to get into and out of the driveway?

What utilities serve this property? Are the rates competitive? Do you want an all-electric house, or do you want gas or oil heat? Where will you get your mail? Where are the easements?

Is the soil stable? Is part of the property on a flood plain -- if so, what is the history of floods on the property?

How will you fit in with the neighbors? Do people seem to be friendly? Are houses well-maintained?

If the community has special by-laws or architectural controls over changes to a house, what are the pros and cons?

Make a list of the positive and negative aspects of each property as you tour it. Assign priorities to important elements of the house's location.