Things to Know Before You Buy a Home: Part 5 – Is There Something More Important Than the House Itself?

When buying a home in the Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area—especially in the south metro (Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, and surrounding communities)—most buyers focus almost entirely on the house. That makes sense… but in many cases, the location and surrounding factors end up mattering more than the house itself. Why Location Often Outweighs the House You can change almost anything about a home:

Remodel the kitchen
Update bathrooms
Paint walls
Install hardwood floors
Add a deck or landscaping

But you cannot change:

The school district
Proximity to shopping, parks, restaurants, and amenities
Commute time to work
Neighborhood safety and community vibe

These fixed elements affect your daily life, your family’s future, and your home’s long-term resale value far more than cosmetic changes ever will. Real-Life Examples That Prove the Point

A buyer chooses a beautiful home but ends up with a 45-minute commute each way. After a few months, the stress becomes unbearable—they regret the purchase.
Parents prioritize a top-rated school district for their child with special needs or athletic/academic talent, even if the house needs updates. The right school makes the home a better long-term fit.
A family picks a home in a walkable neighborhood near parks and shops, even though it’s smaller—they end up happier and more connected to the community.

When you buy with resale in mind (and you should—this is an investment), location drives future value. Homes in desirable school districts, convenient locations, and strong communities appreciate faster and sell quicker. How to Make Location the Priority in Your Search

List your non-negotiables first: School district, commute time, proximity to work, parks, shopping, safety.
Rank them honestly: Decide what you can compromise on (e.g., smaller square footage) vs. what you absolutely cannot (e.g., a bad school district or 90-minute commute).
Work with an agent who knows the area: A local expert in Lakeville real estate, Apple Valley homes, Eagan properties, Burnsville, or Bloomington can show you neighborhoods that match your priorities—not just houses.

The Bottom Line The house is important—but location is often more important. You can remodel the home; you can’t remodel the neighborhood, school district, or commute. The more you consider these fixed factors upfront, the happier you’ll be long-term—and the better your investment will perform. If you’re ready to buy a home in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or the south metro, let’s talk. As a real estate agent in Lakeville MN with over 20 years of experience helping buyers find the right location and home, I’ll help you prioritize what truly matters and avoid costly regrets. Ready to buy smart in 2026? Text or call me today, Tom Sommers with Coldwell Banker Realty, for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s find the perfect fit for your family and future.