Knowing the Neighborhood

If you've watched House Hunters International or The Property Brothers like my wife and I, you've probably guessed wrong about which house the buyers would select as much as you've guessed right.  How is it possible that the TV couple could ignore such an obvious choice?


It comes down to what they find to be best for their priorities, not yours. 


In finding a place to live for yourself, you've undoubtedly considered many factors, one of the most important of which is the neighborhood.  I know I've been frustrated in finding the perfect place but in the wrong neighborhood.  In buying the house in which we currently live, we faced this choice.  It is in the perfect family neighborhood, but why not just go to the other side of Sepulveda, where prices were always lower?


The answer is found at the end of the question.  "Where prices are always lower."  If you buy a house in a lower priced area, chances are the prices will always be lower, even when it comes time to sell.  In fact, if you've watched real estate over the past few years, you've come to realize that when the economy gets weak, the difference in price actually expands.  If you've been through a boom period, you've also seen that the best areas also increase faster than other areas.

Why is that?  Well, first and foremost a house is a place to live, and what makes it desireable to you may well make it seem that way to others, especially if you have objectively good taste and fit a popular demographic segment.  When it comes time to sell due to employment change or some other major reorganization of your life, you'll not only find you've lived in the home of your dreams for many years but also ended up making bonus appreciation to boot. 


I wish I could say the same financially about taking a cruise.  You won't get off the ship with more money than you started, unless you're a very lucky gambler.  However, you will walk away with the best memories, if you chose the right "neighborhood."  And isn't that kind of appreciation just as valuable as money?


That neighborhood starts with the  destination.  You definitely should know at least whether you want tropical Caribbean or cool, historic Canada/New England,  impressive ruins of the Mediterranean or glaciers of Alaska, samba in South America or ice bars in Scandinavia, Australian adventure on the other side of the world or quick escape to Mexico.  Of course, each upcoming cruise you can choose a different destination or return to a favorite.  Wherever you go, you can find yourself at home if you're on the right ship.

Each cruise line line has a philosophy they live by, whether emphasizing fun for families, elegance for seniors or country club casual for low-key but well-heeled empty nesters.  Carnival, Crystal and Oceania are all great in their own ways, depending on what you're in the mood for.


But even within a cruise line, there are different ships, and you may want the grandeur of a giant like Allure of the Seas or the less overwhelming (and usually less costly) Jewel of the Seas.  You could choose Ocean Princess that holds 700 passengers or the new Royal Princess holding 5 times that many.  It's whatever works for you.


Once you have your itinerary, cruise line and ship, you're not done zeroing in on your neighborhood.  On today's cruise ships, the choices have become more confusing than ever, going beyond interior, ocean view, balcony or suite to include such line specific names as Family Villas, Conciege Class and Boardwalk Balconies.


If you are making the choice of "neighborhood" without the help of an experienced travel expert, you may be missing the boat, literally.  Cruise lines don't undercut travel agents, because they know travel agents bring the right passengers to their ships, and having the right passengers on board makes everyone happy. 


Don't short change yourself by having a less than optimal vacation for your travel dollar.  "Better service leads to better trips."