Corner lots are something of a polarizing topic in real estate. Some agents might promote the fact that a home is situated at an intersection, saying the location offers a number of benefits. Others might steer buyers away from this type of home, suggesting that its disadvantages easily outweigh the advantages.

This divide is further complicated by the fact that one person might consider a corner lot feature to be beneficial while others will see it as problematic. By considering the factors you are likely to encounter in a corner lot, you can decide whether this type of property will suit you.

Since they are considered to be unique properties, homes on corner lots are usually valued higher than neighboring properties. The American Homeowners Association, a resource for homeowners and first-time buyers, says the reason for this elevated value is simple: each block has four corners, so only four corner lots will be available. This makes them more difficult to find in the listings, and thus more valuable on the market.

While the higher value can be beneficial, it will also have its downsides. Buyers will likely have to shell out more money to acquire the home, and can also expect to pay a higher property tax bill.

Another reason for the added value of corner lots is yard space. Lots with frontage on a single street may have more limited room for the front and back yards. Corner lots, by contrast, tend to be a little larger.

You'll want to make sure that a corner lot actually has more space, however. Patricia-Anne Tom, writing for the National Association of Realtors, says corner lots sometimes have the same amount of yard space as neighboring properties and only create the illusion of a corner lot because they're directly adjacent to only one property. Some corner lots may also have larger front yards, but smaller back yards.

Larger lawns can also be a bane to some homeowners. You'll have a larger area to seed, mow, irrigate, landscape, and otherwise keep looking nice. And since the property is visible from two streets instead of one, you may feel more pressure to keep your yard looking immaculate.

The additional space and open sides of a corner lot can be advantageous in other ways. Livingwell Properties, a brokerage in Prosper, Texas, says these characteristics may allow the property to take on a more unique floor plan. The home may also be able to capitalize on scenic vistas since there will be fewer neighboring properties in the immediate vicinity. Andy Rosen, writing for the Boston Globe, says homes on corner lots also tend to have more natural light.

Proximity to a neighbor plays a role in the home buying decisions of many people, and some may be deterred by properties that are too close to the home next door. Since a corner lot will border an additional street instead of another home, you'll have one less neighbor.

While this setup allows for additional privacy, some homes on corner lots may actually be more visible to passerby. The American Homeowners Association says corner lot layouts sometimes result in home entrances that are closer to the curb. Rosen says the additional street frontage can also result in more restrictions on how you can modify the property.

Since you will be bounded by more streets, you'll have greater access to on-street parking. Tom says this can be particularly useful if you host parties or other events where a large number of people will be visiting your home.

The drawback of this feature is that your home may be louder. Since you'll have an additional street outside your home, you'll likely experience more frequent engine noise and headlights shining into the home. Livingwell Properties says corner lots also tend to have more light pollution, since streetlights are frequently located at intersections.

Additional street frontage also means you'll have to work harder during the winter. Rosen says you'll have more sidewalks that will need to be cleared of snow after a blizzard. Snowplows may also push a good deal of snow onto your property while clearing the roads in your neighborhood.

There are also some suggestions that homes on corner lots are more vulnerable to break-ins. Thieves can surreptitiously scout out the home while stopped at the intersection, and may think the home is more vulnerable because there are fewer neighbors. However, the increased visibility of corner lot homes can also potentially deter burglaries.