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Homeownership is a marvelous thing. Many folks go to extraordinary lengths to make it happen for their household. One thing that makes ownership difficult is affordability in the same locale as your employment. When that's the case, many potential buyers begin searching outside their comfortable commuting radius to find an affordable house.
Before you commit to a commute, consider a few of the challenges commuting adds to your life. Then, weigh those against the joy of owning a home in a community you love.
Before you take the plunge and buy the house that you have your eye on, make an effort to drive to the neighborhood early one morning and then make the commute to your job. While one day of commuting doesn't give you the full picture, you'll quickly know if traffic is a deal-breaker for you.
Of course, other options exist. If coworkers also live in that community, you could ride-share so that you're not the one behind the wheel every day. Some so-called "bedroom communities" offer group ride-share programs for commuters. In that case, you might thoroughly enjoy relaxing in a luxury van reading the paper or reviewing reports on your way to work.
Often forgotten in the lure of homeownership is the potential "commute" to shopping locations. If your favorite store doesn't have a local outlet or the nearest grocery store is a significant distance, the shopping commute could nix your plans. While it may not seem like a problem now, when you've commuted to work all week, the last thing you want to do with your weekend is drive 45-minutes to the grocery store or make an additional trip into town to buy shoes.
Finally, what you do for pleasure should inform your choice as well. When you find yourself staying late in town to go to the theater or see friends, heading back out to the ’burbs to sleep might get old.
Even if you love the countryside and the chance to own a house, commuting isn’t for everyone. Before you give up on your dreams, though, talk to a knowledgeable real estate agent inside your commute radius. There might be options for ownership that you’re unaware of such as pocket listings or distressed homes.
I have provided award-winning service to many clients over the past 25 years. Few other REALTORS are as trusted as I am. My clients trust my advice, and they know that I always look out for their best long-term interests. You can expect, and you will receive personal service that is second to none. When you hire me as your Agent you work with me and only me. I will answer your calls and respond to your text messages. I promise not to hand you off to another member of "My team" like others do. When you hire Ryan, you get Ryan.
I have called Southwest Michigan home for 40 years. My mother's family ran a local locksmith service, and my father served as the Chief Investigator for the County's Prosecutor's office for many years. I love all that this area offers, and I enjoy serving the buyers and sellers who are moving in or out of Southwest Michigan.
My wife and I have two children, and we would not want to raise them anywhere else. Between the award-winning schools and the plethora of youth activities offered in Southwest Michigan, it's a great place to call home. We enjoy spending time with friends at the beach, boating, golfing, hunting, skiing "Up North," and fishing.
We give back generously to the community that has been so good to us. Currently, I serve on the Lakeshore Public Schools Foundation Board (LEF), as Past President of the St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, and as a Rotarian in the Stevensville-Lakeshore Rotary Club. We donate throughout the year to various local organizations, schools, and youth sports groups.
I want to put my experience and knowledge to work for you. Having sold more than 500 properties while earning the trust and respect of my fellow REALTORS, who voted me the "REALTOR of the Year," I am confident I can earn your trust as well.
Looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Please allow me the opportunity to serve you. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Ryan Arnt
Real Estate Broker/Company Owner
Keller Williams of Southwest Michigan
You can reach me anytime, call or text 269.470.6666, or email me at [email protected].
When you need a REALTOR, Rely on Ryan!