When you are looking to move, remember to consider the neighborhood, not just the home when touring houses. Renovating your home is a great way to get the customized look you have in mind while staying in the neighborhood that is right for you and your family. We’ve all heard that you should buy the cheapest house in the neighborhood. That helps you get the most bang for your buck!
Location, location, location
It’s all about where you live. Certain zip codes hold home values better than others. Make sure you look at the neighborhood trends. Do homes sell quickly? Have they retained their value over time? Does the location meet your needs in terms of amenities? Is your work commute reasonable?
Meeting your needs
Make a list of all the important factors in choosing the right neighborhood. Great schools, shops within walking distance, public transportation, lot sizes, and more can all dictate where you should choose to live. While you may not find all of your wishes in one place, this will help you to focus on the few neighborhoods that best fit your needs.
Ask around
Many communities have associations and you can reach out to in order to have questions answered. Facebook groups are another great way to get feedback from residents. Alternatively, ask your own friends and family about their neighborhoods to get important information about prospective neighborhoods.
Pull statistics
It is very simple to find statistics for your desired neighborhoods. Pull crime stats, school ratings, police and fire department presence, and any other important information based on your list of desired attributes.
Neighbors are improving their homes
It is important to note if neighbors are improving their homes. Having neighbors who are diligent about upkeep with their home shows neighborhood pride. It will also help to keep the value in your neck of the woods.
Long term plan
Make sure the neighborhood meets your needs for at least the next 5-7 years. While things can change unexpectedly in our lives, it is a good idea to make sure that any plans you have in the long term coincide with the characteristics of your area.
You made a great point that one should see if the neighborhood is improving their homes. This could signify that the community has pride in their area. One of my friends wants to buy a bigger house, so hiring a real estate agent will also help him narrow down these factors.
I liked the advice about consulting with the neighbor in the community you are thinking of moving to. One of my brothers-in-law wants to move to a different neighborhood, but he is not sure how t choose the right community. I’ll also recommend him speaking with real estate since they are familiar with the areas they work in.