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1
Buying a House - The Cost of Commuting
Cressy & Everett real estate agents are here to help whether you're buying a home in Indiana or buying a home in Michigan. One of the biggest concerns many of our buyers express early on in the process is about commute times.
Commuting can be a long, tiring, and expensive waste of time that you have to deal with every day. All things being equal, most buyers want to reduce their commute as much as they can. But how much is the commute really worth?
In other words, how much more houseshould you look for to reduce your commute?
This might seem like an impossible question--and in many ways, the answer will depend on you. Some people find long commutes intolerable and want to avoid them at any cost, while others find ways to relax or use that time productively.
The Cost of Commuting Could Surprise You
According to The New York Times, commuters in New York may find themselves paying as much as $22,881 per commute minute to edge just that little bit closer to Grand Central Station.
(Naturally, you won't find yourself paying nearly that much in Michigan or Indiana!)
Still, it's a good idea to use your current commute as a guideline to decide where you'll be willing to look at properties. Remember, commute times are creeping upward nationwide, so it may pay to keep yours as low as you can.
While the mean U.S. commute is just 25 minutes, "extreme commutes" of 90 minutes or more are becoming more common.
How Much Commuting Should You Take On?
Although a short commute may not be a hassle, a very long one is bad for your mental and physical health. The impact of your commute can easily make a beautiful property in the countryside much less attractive – at least after the first few weeks or months.
What will your commute be after you move? This interactive map from SmartAsset can help you figure it out. Double-check your findings by asking your real estate agent for information about traffic and public transit, especially if you're not familiar with the area.
What should you do if you find a property you love, but the commute is longer than you'd like? This can be a difficult challenge, but it may be time to get creative. You can take these steps to make things a little bit easier:
- Get a Tune-Up – or Even a New Vehicle
The cost of gas in start-and-stop traffic is one of the major sources of overhead for those with a long commute. Since public transit options are limited in some areas, consider whether it's time to trade up to a vehicle with better gas mileage – but preferably, one that's comfortable. - Plan to Use Commute Time Wisely
The right podcasts or lectures can help you get your mind working while you commute. If you find that studying on the road isn't your thing, consider the benefits music has to offer. A little classical in the morning will help you think more quickly and creatively. - Explore Your Telecommuting Options
On the other side of the fence, many of today's "knowledge workers" find they don't always have to show up to the office in person. If you're working with a flexible and forward-thinking company, it's a great opportunity to explore those scheduling options.
No matter what your real estate goals are like, you deserve to have expert advice from a local team that truly has your best interests in mind. Whether in Indiana or Michigan, contact Cressy & Everett Real Estate to find out more.
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