The Often Overlooked Secret to Having a Happy Home...How to Choose the Right Neighborhood
Buying a home can be a frustrating process that requires patience and the willingness to walk away. Going to open houses, securing a bank loan, and making sure the house will fit your lifestyle all weigh on your mind while shopping. However, what if we were to tell you that choosing the right neighborhood can have just as great as an impact as a price drop on a home. When you choose the right neighborhood, life becomes a lot easier. It also becomes an asset to be used should you choose to sell your home. Here are some tips you should use to choose the right neighborhood.
Is the area growing?
When shopping for a home, one of the key factors in determining if it is also in the right neighborhood is to ask if the area is growing. A growing neighborhood and surrounding area raise property values. In turn, this means your property will likely gain more equity, faster. It’s also a great way to inundate yourself with the culture in your surrounding area. Not only are you growing as a person, but everyone esle around you is as well!
What school districts are you in?
School districts are confusing. Just a couple streets over and your child could be going to an entirely different school. In order to choose the right neighborhood for you, make sure to do your research on school districts surrounding that area. That way you won’t be blindsided when your children are ready for school. The right realtor can help you sort this out as well. During your search, make sure to be upfront with your realtor about what you want. They can then guide you to homes in that area.
Are you close to work or to other things that are important?
Being close to work has several advantages. You get to wake up later, get home quicker, and spend less money on gas over time. Your job being 30 minutes away as opposed to just five minutes away is going to make a big difference. That means hours of your life will be stuck in traffic or just driving. Consider this when trying to choose the right neighborhood. Also, if you have children, consider how close you are to things like parks and other social activities. If your child is planning on playing sports often, it may be best to be close to a park. In addition, some neighborhoods have community pools that are great for summertime fun. This can be a deciding factor when buying a home.
Crime statistics
Before you move into any neighborhood, make sure to look up crime statistics. It’s always good to know what type of neighborhood you are going to live in. You need to know if there are any risks or other factors that can plague your community. Choose the right neighborhood by finding one with low crime statistics.
Spend a weekend in the neighborhood
If you want to get a feel for the neighborhood and surrounding community, try staying in the area for the weekend. You may find that there are loads of activities and people you want to be around. Also, you may find that the community is tight-knit and is something you want to be a part of. Go exploring around the neighborhood. Find out what people do for fun that isn’t far from where you will be living. It’s one of the best examples of how to choose a neighborhood.
Talk to some local homeowners
One of the best ways to choose the right neighborhood is to talk to some homeowners in that neighborhood. They can explain how people interact with each other and what the environment is like for children. This can be a good measure for whether the neighborhood is right for you. Also, ask them about local things to do for fun and what the HOA is like. HOA’s can be a big hassle or a great thing. Do your research on whether a neighborhood has an HOA.
What’s going to bother you about the neighborhood
Lastly, before you make your final decision, ask yourself what’s going to bother you about this neighborhood. If you can only think of small or minor things then this is probably the right neighborhood for you. On the other hand, if there are glaring flaws like a long commute or a noisy highway, you may want to reconsider. Figure out what you can and cannot live with to choose the right neighborhood.
Looking to buy a house, but not sure where to turn to? Trying to find the right neighborhood for you and your family? MWT Realty Group has the experience and knowledge to help you. Don’t miss out on your dream home! Contact us today and let’s help you purchase your new home.
