One of the most common considerations when looking to purchase a home is commute time between home and work.

The vast majority of consumers are looking to have their homes as close to their workplaces as possible while still remaining within their financial reach. The 2004 American Community Survey (ACS), sponsored by the National Association of Realtors and Smart Growth America, indicates that for 79% of Americans looking for a home are looking for a commute of less than 45 minutes.

The survey showed that 60% of potential buyers were looking to buy in neighborhoods that offer less commuter time. It also showed that 87% of people planning to purchase a home within the next three years are putting a high emphasis on commuter times that are shorter.

Despite the growing interest in shorter commute times, financial implications must be considered a higher priority. While it would be ideal for some to live in or extremely near the building in which you work, that’s not always a viable solution to a short commuter time. Potential home buyers are weighing all of their options and choosing the home that provides the shortest commute that they can afford.