Many houses are WONDERFUL -- but the location, setting and context of those homes is not just a small additional detail to note -- it is often central to a purchasing decision.

Some examples....

1. If you're looking for a 4500 SF home, built in the past five years, on an acre, with five bedrooms and upscale features -- you're going to care whether the average size of the ten closest homes is 4500 SF or 1500 SF.
    
   
2. A restored circa 1900 home in Old Town Harrisonburg is going to be more sought after than the identical home in downtown Elkton.
    
3. A new, low maintenance, one-level home home might be perfect for a retiree if it is within a neighborhood of similar homes -- and less so if it is directly on a busy road and surrounded by commercial uses.
    
4. My wife's parents and sister both live in our neighborhood, and  both of my sisters and my dad are within a short drive.  Thus, our home is perfectly situated for the family relationships that we value -- and we wouldn't really ever consider moving across town.

So, as we consider houses you might purchase -- let's think about what location, setting or context will be the most meaningful and desirable for you, both in the short and long term.

P.S.  The home pictured above, on a large, private lot, is somehow still just moments from Sentara RMH Medical Center and everything Harrisonburg has to offer.  This property will be hitting the market this week!