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Selecting a Neighborhood

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Real Estate RS151669

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you.  Think about the location in terms of commute time to work, distance from leisure-time activities, and proximity to shopping, schools, or any other places you frequent.  You may think of other factors that are important to you.  Please take some time to write them on your Home Search Criteria Form.

Scout out the Neighborhood!

It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person.

  • Talk to people who live in there.
  • Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week, and on weekends.
  • Look carefully at how well other homes in the are are being maintained-are they painted; are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition?

 

Neighborhood Factors to Consider

  • Look for things such as access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.
  • Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.
  • Smell the air for nearby industry or agriculture.
  • Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.
  • Research environmental topics such as soil and water quality, as well as floodplain implications.
  • Study traffic patterns around the area at different times of the day and measure drive time from the area to work. 
  • Is the neighborhood near parks, places of religious worship, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.?
  • Does the neighborhood have a Homeowner's Association?

To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks County, Pa and surrounding areas.

DJ Swanepoel
Real Estate Wiki - Los Angeles, CA

Carol, GREAT article on choosing your neighborhood. For me, probably the most important thing to do when looking for a house is to explore the neighborhoods and surrounding community in person, even if you live halfway across the US.

Nov 14, 2008 07:49 AM
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore - Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Your Realtor Down the Shore!

These are great suggestions, Carol!  I also tell my clients to visit garage sales and the local library!

Laura G

Nov 15, 2008 01:05 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Carol, This a great advice for the weary house shopper. Sometimes clients have no idea of what area  they want to live in...

Nov 16, 2008 02:35 AM