I think it is reasonable to be willing to compromise on some aspects of your dream home in order to live in your dream neighborhood. For example...
- Paying a bit higher price than the most comfortable range of your budget.
- Buying a house that is a touch smaller than would be ideal.
- Choosing a house that needs more cosmetic updates than you had hoped you'd need to make.
But then, you might find that some compromises are just too much...
- Buying a house without a garage when you really, absolutely want one, and where you won't have the money to build one.
- Buying a house with a small yard or on a busy road - both aspects that won't be able to be changed.
- Buying a house with a layout that is unlikely to ever work for your family - even if you open up walls, combine spaces, and think creatively.
In your home search, if you are aiming to be in a certain neighborhood (or neighborhoods) you may be faced with this sometimes difficult question - how much will you compromise on your dream house in order to live in your dream neighborhood. It won't necessarily be a fun conversation or an easy decision - but I'm happy to talk it through with you - and we can best do that inside of that home that is pushing you to consider a compromise...