The Perfect Neighborhood for You!

Now that you've determined what price range you can afford, and your Realtor is ready to show you homes, how do you decide where to buy? Finding the Perfect place for you to Call Home. Do Your Neighborhood Research!! When you buy a home, you get the neighborhood and all that's in it. Be sure you'll be happy in your home and neighborhood. Important considerations when researching a neighborhood include proximity to or information about:

• fire department
• police department
• shopping
• parks / recreation
• transportation
• freeway access
• school location and quality of learning
• crime statistics
• demographics

Much information is available online. The local chamber of commerce, police station, library and Realtor® will have much of this type of information available. There is no substitute for spending time walking and driving around the neighborhood during different times of day. Pay attention to noise sources and levels (thoroughfare, freeway, airport, park, business, etc.). Talk to your potential neighbors. The more people you talk to the better you'll understand the community.
Where In The Neighborhood Is Best? Desirable locations include cul-de-sacs and interior streets. These are subject to the least amount of traffic. It's hard to avoid every potentially adverse condition, but here are a few to consider. The closer you are to arterial streets (neighborhood entrance), the more traffic there will be. Corner lots may be larger, but have traffic on two sides. Is the home too close to a school, park, recreational area, business, airport, flight pattern, thoroughfare or freeway? Any train or trolley tracks near by? Additional considerations may influence your choice of unit in a Planned Unit Development ('PUD'--condominium, town home, co-op).  A unit overlooking a pool or courtyard may be subject to excessive noise. A ground- or top-floor unit may be quieter than a unit sandwiched between floors. End units are generally quieter. Views command higher values. A low-rise PUD may require the use of stairs--a challenge when carrying groceries.

This short list of important considerations is designed to get you thinking. Numerous books and Web pages include more information for the taking. Selecting a Real Estate Agent, a Neighborhood or the perfect place to call Home shouldn't be taken for granted. A Buyer that has done their homework is a smart buyer!