Where do I start my Real Estate Search?
Choosing the right home really starts with finding the right neighborhood for you. Picture your daily life in your new neighborhood. Ask yourself what are the important amenities that a neighborhood must offer, in order for you and your family to be happy there. Do you want easy access to parks and recreation? How close is it to family and friends and work? What about Public transportation? Schools? Entertainment? The questions and answers are different for everyone. Be sure you consider what are the important factors for you. Once you determine where you want to live, narrowing down the search for homes becomes easier.
How do I know which neighborhood is right for me?
Visit the neighborhoods that you are considering at different times of the day. This will give you a fuller picture of what it will be like to live there.
Drive by in the evening. Typically most people are not at home in the daytime so it makes sense to check out the neighborhood at night. Listen to your gut and see if it feels right.
When safety is a prime concern, there is no better source than the local police department or precinct. Call to ask about the number of home break-ins and muggings. If you see an officer patrolling the neighborhood, stop and ask a few questions.
The quality of schools is important even if you don’t have school age children because it can affect your resale value. Call the local school board to get quick facts about test scores, graduation rates and percentage of college-bound students. Find out the location of local schools and ask which streets are in walking distance, or which receive school bus service.
Consider your commute. When easy access to public transportation is important, check out where the stops and stations are located. If you plan to drive to work, it’s worth trying the commute at rush hour to see how long it would take.
The local Chamber of Commerce is a wealth of information. Consult them for general information about neighborhood businesses, taxes and cost of living, as well as recreation and entertainment that are close by, most chambers have packets ready to ship out, or provide quick access to information online.