Finding The Right Community

I’m going to let you in on a secret; there’s more to buying a home than simply loving the home itself.

Shocked? Of course you’re not.

Just like us, you’ve heard “location, location, location,” so you know that the surrounding community is just as important as where you sleep at night. But you may not know exactly what you should look for, so we’ve come up with a short list of things you should think about before putting an offer on that dream home.

Think of the Children!

If have children, or will in the future, it’s important to know how active the streets are in your future neighborhood. You want your children to be safe when playing or walking near your home, so take a few trips to the area at different hours of the day to see how traffic flows. You can also ask neighbors and they’ll generally give you an honest assessment. It’s also a good idea to see if there are speed bumps or signs in the area to alert drivers of children. Keep an eye out to see how well-lit the streets are as well.

But It’s So Far Away…

There are those that love living out in the solitude of the wilderness, but for many others they like having stores, schools, parks and other amenities readily available. You should time your trips, during heavy traffic times, from your prospective house to other areas that you’ll frequent. You’ll be able to decide whether or not you’re too close, too far away, or just right when it comes to these times.

Remember, the closer you are to a major road, the likelier you are to hear that highway or interstate traffic at night. It’s also pertinent to know if businesses in your area have early open or late closing times, especially if you have a job that isn’t the traditional 9-to-5.

Safety First

In today’s society, it’s especially important to know who you’re going to live by and what support is offered in the area. You can find out tons of information online about crime statistics (including sex offenders in your area), efforts on recycling, distance to hospitals, availability of public transportation and local ordinances. Talk to your local alderman’s office, town hall or council meetings to learn more. You may even be able to talk to the neighborhood watch if one is available.

Keep Fun Close

If you and your family are always looking to have a little fun, it’s important to know if there are parks, sports teams, or other activities in the area. You don’t want to have to drive across the city, or country, just to have a good time.

Contact me today for a consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and/or help you find your dream home.