If you’re looking to buy a home, you probably have a wish list. Your ideal property has a certain number of bedrooms and baths, and you may be looking for special features like a home office, pool, or spacious backyard. However, making sure you find that home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and needs is just as important as the home itself. Review these important considerations before taking the plunge.
Schools rule. If you’re looking to buy a family home, you’ll no doubt be concerned with the quality of your school district. But even if you don’t have school-age children, a well-rated school district always increases real estate value. By the same token, troubled school districts negatively affect home values, so you’ll want to choose carefully no matter what your circumstances.
Crime rates. A little investigating can unearth a lot of information about crime statistics in specific towns and neighborhoods. Do look at the bigger picture as statistics don’t always tell the whole story. Are the businesses in the area thriving? Are people out and about at different times of the day? Make sure to do your homework before making a commitment.
Future plans. If you know the schools are good and the crime rates are low, don’t forget to research any changes that may be happening in the area. You can ask the town planning board about any upcoming projects, new businesses, or other future developments that may impact your neighborhood down the road.
Convenience. You know the kind of lifestyle you want, and now is the time to make sure your neighborhood is a good fit. Do you want to be close to the action with great access to dining, shopping, and cultural activities? Or do you want to sacrifice convenience for a more remote location with added privacy? Determine what is most important to you when analyzing your potential neighborhood.
Get to know the neighbors. For many people, the community is just as important as a home’s square footage or kitchen upgrades. If you will be raising a family, a neighborhood full of families that is close to recreational facilities may be most appealing to you. If you’re an empty-nester who values quiet, a community brimming with kids may not be as appealing.
Making a well-informed decision when choosing your community will yield happy results for years to come. And, of course, your real estate agent is a great resource. If you need help in your home search, let Keller Williams – The Rider Elite Team help!
