Why Are More Buyers Choosing Houses for Sale in Prairieville LA Over the City?

Ask a few Baton Rouge families where they plan to buy next, and Prairieville keeps coming up. More people are searching for houses for sale in prairieville la than they were a few years ago, and the reasons are easy to understand. Space, quieter streets and a family-friendly feel top the list. But moving out of the city is a big decision, and it helps to know what you gain and what you give up. This post looks at both sides so you can decide with a clear head.

What Is Pulling Buyers Out of the City?

There are lots of open spaces available. Many areas around Baton Rouge have limited space on lots – but often when you move to Prairieville, in Ascension Parish just south east of the city, you will get larger gardens and more space. There is more space for kids to play, pets to roam and for weekend projects.

It tends to be a lot quieter. The mornings are peaceful and the evenings are quiet. There aren’t as many busy roads nearby so it can be much easier to concentrate if you’re working from home.

There’s also a great variety of properties. From older properties with character and large plots to brand new properties in developments. First time buyers, expanding families and even retirees can all enjoy what is on offer.

What Do You Give Up When You Leave the City?

The main thing to consider is the distance to your workplace. Whilst Prairieville is not too far away from Baton Rouge, you will be driving further than those who live close to the city centre or LSU. If you are working in the city then you should try the commute during the times that you would actually be driving to make sure you know how it will affect you and your journey due to traffic.

You may be further away from some places to eat, go out and enjoy. With lots of facilities on offer in Prairieville, going out at night often means you’ll have a drive. This can be an issue for some but depending on what you value more, the ability to walk to a coffee shop or having a large backyard.

Is the Extra Space Worth the Extra Upkeep?

This can be the case. However, a big garden can require a lot of work, with mowing, cutting back and sometimes even drainage issues. Larger homes can also be more expensive to heat and cool. If you enjoy outdoor activities then it can be a great hobby, however if not you may want a smaller plot.

How Do Prices and Costs Compare?

Due to variables such as street, age and lot size, it will be best to look at a lot of listings to see what a fair price would be. Two houses could be priced the same but have a big difference when looking at square footage, state of the property and garden sizes.

As well as just looking at the price of the house, think about how much it will cost you per month. You will have to pay property taxes, home owners insurance and possibly some association fees. If you have a longer commute then you will also be paying more for fuel. It will be best to write these down as sometimes the cheapest house isn’t the cheapest option.

Also in Louisiana it would be good to know about flood risk. If you really like a property ask what flood zone it is in and get an insurance quote. This could really affect how much you are paying per month.

How Can a Local Realtor Help With the Move?

While online listings are a great place to start your search, they will not give you any idea of the bustling streets, tight subdivisions or how the area has evolved over the years. This is where having a local agent comes in handy.

Kevin Callkev is a Baton Rouge based realtor who has active listings in Prairieville. Kevin Jones has listings for homes and land in Prairieville as well as Baton Rouge and Gonzales. As he works in several markets he can give you an insight into how each area compares with each other in terms of price, lot sizes and lifestyle. He can also help you craft your offer, know what is included in the listing and guide you through the process to closing. Having someone like this by your side can take a lot of stress out of making such a big move.

Should You Consider a Brand New Home?

Many people in this area are unsure whether they should go for an established property or a brand new one. New properties have modern layouts, new services and are usually offered with a warranty from the builder. However, they can be more expensive and some will be in developing areas, so there might be building work going on around you.

Older properties tend to be cheaper with larger gardens and well established trees, however they may require more repairs. It really depends on how much money you have to spend, how patient you are and how quickly you want to move in.

What Steps Should You Take Before Making an Offer?

Start by getting a pre-approval so you know how much you can spend and show sellers you're serious. Write up a list of deal breakers and make sure to stick to them.

When you find a home you like check out the roof, AC, plumbing and water heater. If possible have a walk through the garden after it has rained to see if there are any puddles. Get an independent inspection done. This will give you factual information and a fair reason to ask the seller to fix things.

Try to visit the area at different times of day. A quiet road at 12pm may be quite busy at 5pm. Small visits will tell you a lot.