Are you ready to move from the city to the suburbs? Whether you recently got married, had your first child, or you just want to make a change, take a look at what you need to know before you enter the suburban real estate market.

Should You Choose a Dream Home in the Wrong Neighborhood?

You found the perfect home. It checks off every item on your must-have list. Even though the home itself is ideal, the neighborhood isn't. Should you still buy the house—or should you continue your suburban search?

Not all suburbs are equal. It's not enough to decide you want to move out of the city. You (and the rest of your family) need to decide which municipality, township, or local area feels like home. If the neighborhood doesn't have the amenities, schools, eateries, shopping, or anything else you want in a hometown, your would-be dream home may not seem like the perfect property to buy right now.

Should You Buy a Move-In-Ready Home or a Fixer-Upper?

There are pros and cons to each of these options. A move-in-ready home means you won't have to put time, energy, or money into your new purchase. But it's likely you'll pay more upfront for the home.

If you want to save money on the purchase price or you can't afford a like-new home in your ideal neighborhood, a fixer-upper is an option to explore. This type of home could require anything from new upgrades to a total overhaul. Before you buy a fixer-upper, consult with a qualified contractor to better understand the expected renovation costs.

Should You Work with a Real Estate Agent?

Simply stated—yes. An agent can guide you through the buying process and help you to find the right home for your needs. If you don't know your potential future neighborhood (or neighborhoods) well, you need someone who either has in-depth knowledge of the suburb or can do the real estate research.

A qualified agent knows what to look for in a property and may have access to new or soon-to-be new listings you don't know about. This means you'll have help wading through the local suburban inventory and finding the best option available.

Along with helping you to find the just-right home in the just-right neighborhood, your agent will negotiate the price—getting you the most for your money. An agent can recommend a starting price, help you to understand the reality of today's suburban market, and put together the deal for your dream home.

For more information, reach out to a local real estate agent.