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Get friendly with a map when buying new

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

They say when you make a misstep that is a mistake. When you do it again it is called experience. The reason I bring this up is a tip I have learned in buying in the new construction category. Before plunking your money down on a house in a Master Planned Community get yourself a map. Also check with the local city Planning and Economic Development Board along with the state highway department. You need to be aware of commercial zoning around the residential areas as well as future highway expansion. A very good online mapping tool is Google Maps. It will show you the general lay of the land and the roads. You can zoom in and out and drag the map around. While not always up to date including its satellite imagery, it is a good start.

Myself and others I have known in new construction areas have built early into the development. That commercial zoning could end up being a two story paint store in your backyard. The quiet backyard you envisioned with your pool could have the roar of traffic from a six lane highway someday. It does happen and your lifestyle suffers and values plummet. Retail follows rooftops but so do roads.

Be a smart cookie. Check it out. Don't listen to scuttlebut from the new home salesperson. A great REALTOR can point you toward the resources. You then will enjoy your new home for many years to come.

Comments (3)

Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Great advice.

I recommend to all of my new home buyers that they visit the county zoning and permit office to get the latest information for the community or communities.

 

Oct 24, 2007 01:53 AM
Matthew Rosov
Amerisave Mortgage Corporation - Laurel, MD
Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist
Good Information.  Hopefully everyone's Realtor is suggesting they check out the county & state planning boards to make sure these things don't happen.
Oct 24, 2007 02:42 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth
I'm just a big believer in Google Maps. You'd be amazed what you might find out from an aerial view of where you're considering a purchase. I've found many ponds and parks I didn't know existed nearby.
Nov 03, 2007 08:08 AM