Buying a House Guide – Know the Neighborhood!
An often-quoted, well-worn rule in real estate is location, location, location. This means everything from what city you are in to how long your morning commute to what school district your children are in.
Buying a home means becoming part of a community. But you will live in and around your neighborhood.
Make sure it is a good fit for you and your family!
Buying a House Guide Tip #3 – Know The Neighborhood!
Buying A House Guide - Get to know the neighborhood at ALL times of the day - and the night!
Most people look for a home based on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and its size. Some add specific amenities such as pool or a three-car garage.
But the nicest home on the block could lose its luster is the neighborhood suffers from a crime problem, a noise problem, or some other issue that is not specific to the property but affects the whole area.
I advise my clients – especially the ones from out of the area – to visit their target area early in the morning and again late at night.
You may be surprised by what you can learn!
Sometimes, quiet streets are turned into busy thoroughfares during commute hours. Nightfall may bring loud music from inconsiderate neighbors or noises from barking dogs.
If your child looks forward to riding their bike after school, you will want to know how much traffic there is on your street as others come home from work.
If peace and quiet after a busy day is important to you, visit the neighborhood at different times and observe the goings-on.
I had one client tell me about hearing a rooster crowing at 6 a.m. when they visited one potential neighborhood! Another told me about falling in love with a home – then falling out of love as a noisy commuter train went by a short distance away!
Talk with the neighbors a few blocks away from the home you are considering. Ask them if there are neighborhood problems or any other issues.
Then, call the police department and see how many times they have responded to complaints or criminal activity in the past year.
In California, most Realtors provide a Megan’s Law Disclosure, a Natural Hazards Disclosure Statement, and other area disclosures. Read them carefully!
They tell you if there are any local residents who have been convicted of sexual crimes, and the proximity of the home to hazardous disposal sites, earthquake faults, flood zones, and even airports or military installations – all things that can affect your enjoyment while you live there … and affect its marketability when you eventually sell!
Learn as much as you can about the area surrounding your dream home before you buy.
Hopefully, the Buying a Home Guide and knowing your neighborhood will help keep your dream from becoming a nightmare.
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