Buying a home can be a scary prospect. When looking for homes, it's not uncommon for families to drive straight to a house then on to the next 5 or 10 on the list. Different neighborhoods tend to blend together into a blur of confusion. It can be a stressful process.
Our lives are hectic enough, how about making the home buying process fun and relaxing at the same time!
I'm here to suggest a different approach. Do you know what neighborhood you want to live in (or at least have it narrowed down to 2 or 3?) If so, how about a walking, biking or running tour? Not only will you get a closer look at the neighborhood you'll be buying in, but you'll get to see a whole slew of things you may not have noticed otherwise.
Are people friendly? Did they wave or smile at you as you went by.
Is the neighborhood conducive to your lifestyle? Are kids able to play safely outside? Do people keep their animals leashed?
Are homes kept up to your standards? When you drive by quickly, little (even big) things may go unnoticed, but when you're walking or riding a bike the truth will reveal itself.
How was the traffic while you were out? Is the street busier than you thought? Did people slow down and keep their distance from you?
How is the road maintained? Are there lots of potholes?
Are there things around you didn't notice before? Power lines? Loud music from the cars passing by?
Our lives leave us in such a hurry that we tend to make mistakes we wouldn't have made if we had taken the time to pay attention.
Over the next few months, I'll be posting some "walking tours." Keep an eye out for your neighborhood. If you have a neighborhood you're interested in and I haven't posted a tour yet - feel free to send me an email! I'll be more than happy to run one for you.
* Oh... and feel comfortable that I have walked/run these routes myself. You see, I started doing the "Couch to 10K program" back in March. I'll be running every tour personally so I know exactly what you'll be seeing!
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