Final answer:
George's willingness to pay more for a house in St. Paul is due to the 'location utility' characteristic of value, emphasizing the desirability of the property's location.
Step-by-step explanation:
George's willingness to pay a premium price for a home in St. Paul demonstrates the characteristic of value known as location utility. The location utility is the value and desirability a property offers based on its location and the benefits that come with it, such as proximity to work, preferred school districts, local amenities, and the overall quality of life in the area. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of residential real estate, where buyers like George assign a higher value to properties based on non-economic factors that fulfill their personal needs and expectations.