There are many questions a new home buyer will have to ask themselves during the home buying process. Not only will you have to decide what neighborhood you'd like to live in, you'll also have to assess what types of fees will come with your new home purchase. Along with those questions might come a few real estate terms you might be unfamiliar with.

The mortgage industry is constantly changing and consulting a mortgage professional is still the best way to navigate the loan process.

Oftentimes there are varying details that make a community appealing to a home buyer. Whether it’s the phase of life you’re in, or whether you’ve owned a home previously, different people want and need different things from a home and a community.

But there are certain factors that make a community appealing to any home buyer, and we're sharing some of the factors we hear most from our potential home buyers. 

Gated communities vs. non-gated communities

Safety, security and peace of mind probably come to mind when thinking about buying a home in a gated community. Whether the gated community is guarded by an actual person, or just a security code and cameras, people often purchase homes in these neighborhoods in order to feel safer. A con that can come with living in a gated community (over one that’s not), though, is the price tag that is often attached to the homes for sale in the neighborhood (or other fees, such as HOA fees). While the safety of you and your loved ones might be invaluable, you may find that non-gated communities can offer the same safety as a gated community, especially once you've done your research on the neighborhood and its surrounding area.