You can change most anything about your home. With enough time and money, you can transform it from a neglected basket case to a show stopper. You can give it a new look and feel, inside and out. But one thing you can't change is the location.  And since location is such a vital part of home ownership (think: neighbors, taxes and traffic), choosing the right location is supremely important.

But have you considered the view? What you see outside your window every day can impact not only your mood but also how you feel about living in your home. Here in Southwest Michigan, many of us look out at orchards, fields, woods or water. With this abundance of natural beauty, we can count the view as one of the benefits of location. But does what you see outside your window every day matter more than other things about the house, like condition, price, or neighborhood amenities?

For some people, being able to look out their window and see mighty Lake Michigan or tranquil Cable Lake can override other considerations. In fact, for some, the emotional connection they feel with the location can be the determining factor in whether or not they purchase a home.

If just a glimpse of a river or a lake from your window can soothe frazzled nerves, it can be nearly impossible to not be dazzled by a stunning panoramic view. It's wise to step back and consider all things logically, but in the end, buying a home is largely an emotional decision, and you're the one who has to be happy with it.

What about you? Have you ever let a beautiful view sway your decision to buy a home?