How long do you commute to work? Is it a quick drive away? Can you walk or use convenient public transportation? Are you in the car for hours a day? It turns out the average commute in the US is just over 28 minutes one way. This is a record high, and it just shows how far Americans are going each day to get to their jobs.
A long commute shouldn’t be taken lightly. In fact, it should be avoided when it comes to protecting your happiness, family life, and mental health. During your house hunt, pay attention to your average commute time. You can’t enjoy that “perfect” home if you’re stuck in traffic for hours each day! In this guide, we’ll explain how your work commute can affect your decision when buying a house.
Why Your Work Commute Matters
Why is your commute to work so important? While you might think it’s a small part of a large puzzle, it’s one of the biggest factors when considering your work/life balance. In fact, according to science, it could even have a negative impact on your health.
Because commuting is such an issue in many parts of the country, researchers decided to start using the term “super commute” to address these commuter-specific problems. What are some of the health and lifestyle challenges of long commutes?
- High blood pressure – Extensive daily travel can actually raise your blood pressure.
- Polluted air – Sitting in traffic for long periods of time isn’t good for your respiratory system! You could begin experiencing breathing problems or other physical effects of pollution.
- Burnout – No matter how much you love your job, that long commute adds to your workday, increasing your likelihood of burnout.
- Costs – Whether you’re putting a lot of miles on your car or using costly public transportation, these expenses add up quickly.
- Family time – If you’re spending hours each day in traffic, you’re missing out on time with your family, friends, and other loved ones.
Ultimately, a long commute isn’t as harmless as it seems on the surface. When you’re buying a house, one of the most important factors should be your commute.
How to Fight Your Commute
What do you do to fight your commute when buying a home? One of the biggest challenges is balancing your need to find a home in your budget that’s also near your job. With more and more jobs being found in urban areas, the likelihood of finding affordable housing nearby also decreases.
How do you find something you can afford that doesn’t come with a huge price tag?
Sometimes it pays to be a bit creative. You might not get your “dream” home that’s both within your budget and near work, but that “dream” would have ended very quickly when you started commuting for so long each day. Here are some ways to get around that big commute without breaking your homebuying budget.
Job Flexibility
One smart idea is to look for a job with flexible hours or work conditions. Many jobs today are remote or contract positions, or you might be able to work-from-home a portion of days each week. This compromise allows you to work the job you want from anywhere, virtually eliminating your commute.
Multi-Family Dwelling
If you’re not able to afford a single-family home near your work, why not look into buying a multi-family dwelling? Multi-family homes like apartments, condos, and townhomes are usually more affordable and they come with a lot of amenities you might not find in a single-family property. This could be a great way to save money and build equity before moving into a larger home.
Know Your Limits
Finally, take some time to get to know your limits. Some people enjoy having some quiet time to themselves to listen to podcasts, music, or audiobooks during their commutes. But everyone has their limits. You might be able to tolerate a 20-30 minute drive to work, but after that, you’re burnt out. Get to know your limits so you know what to expect when buying a home.
Consider Your Commute When Buying a Home
Your commute matters more than you think. In fact, your work commute can affect your decision when buying a home sometimes more than other factors.
Knowing your own limits when it comes to commuting will help you feel more confident with this process. Nobody wants to get stuck driving or commuting hours each day to and from work! That’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, take your commute seriously from the start.
The post How Your Work Commute Can Affect Your Decision When Buying a Home appeared first on National Cash Offer.
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