If you’re like a lot of aspiring homebuyers, there’s a major hurdle standing in your way — the cost of living. From groceries to gas, eggs, and just about everything else, prices have gone up. And that rings true for home prices, too.
But even when everything feels expensive, there are still ways to make homeownership more than an item on your wish list. You may just need to think about where you plan to buy a bit differently.
Think of Your First Home as a Stepping Stone
One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their forever home – or that it has to check all the boxes of what they want right out of the gate. In reality, it’s just a starting point.
Once you own a home, you start to build equity, which grows over time as home prices rise. Down the road, if you want to move — whether to a larger space, a better location, or both — the equity you’ve gained can help you do just that.
So rather than waiting until you can afford your dream home in your ideal neighborhood, consider starting with something that works for now.
Expand Your Search To Find More Affordable Options
If high home prices in your favorite area are holding you back, it’s time to cast a wider net. By keeping an open mind and being flexible with location, you may be surprised at what’s possible within your budget. Many buyers find success by looking in surrounding areas.
If you want to stay local, looking just outside your preferred neighborhood could help you find something you can afford that’s still pretty close to your favorite restaurants, shops, and activities. Sometimes, moving as little as 10 minutes away makes a big difference.
One of the reports that we run monthly looks at the 5 school districts in Centre County and what the average sales price is for each of them. Most homebuyers want to be near State College for work, but those prices are highest. If you're willing to look a little further out, you might find that the houses are much more affordable - especially in areas like Phillipsburg, Bellefonte, and Bald Eagle. Further out, Clearfield County has some good options too! 
We can point you to communities you may not have considered that have lower price tags now and are steadily gaining value and appeal. That way you can buy your first home and be set up to gain equity through the years.
Bottom Line
Today’s cost of living is a challenge for many homebuyers. But by exploring different areas and working with a knowledgeable agent, you can take that first step toward owning a home — and building equity for your future.
How far outside of your area would you look to make homeownership happen? Let’s connect to chat through your options.
