Shopping for a Home? Use These Tips to Find the Perfect Neighborhood
If you are like many other homes buyers, you have long-term goals. You want to find a home that fulfills your needs and falls within your price range. However, you also want to know that the home is not going to lose value down the road. When the day comes that you are ready to sell, you want to feel confident that your biggest asset isn’t going to cost you money. Below are Core Capital Group’s tips to help find the perfect neighborhood.
Look at the Schools
You might be saying, “Whoa! Slow Down! I’m not even in a relationship, so there’s no need to be concerned about schools!” Well, there is a reason. Homes in desirable school districts hold or rise in value. If you buy a home in a horrible school district when you go to sell down the road you will isolate family home buyers. Parents aren’t going to look at your home (unless the price is really low) because they won’t want their children to attend these schools.
Check Out Surrounding Amenities
Everyone has a list of amenities that matters most to them. If you are an outdoor enthusiast then maybe you want a neighborhood with a trail that takes you in the back way to a state park. If you are taking public transportation then close proximity to a bus stop or subway station will be important. Whether you want to be close to restaurants, shopping opportunities, museums, parks, or any other amenities the one thing you should look for in the area is a Starbucks. Homes adjacent to Starbucks tend to double in value!
Do a Drive By
A neighborhood may be peaceful on a Sunday morning when you attend an open house, but what’s it like Friday night, Saturday morning, or during the week at rush hour when cars are cutting through to avoid a long light? It is always recommended to drive through a neighborhood you are interested in several times on different days.
Walkability
Going “green” is not just a passing trend. The population in general is looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Walking is an easy solution. Neighborhoods that are in walking distance to local amenities are becoming increasingly desirable. Master-planned communities where you can live, work, and play all without getting in your car are popping up all over the country. Obviously, if you are looking at homes in more of a rural setting then walkability won’t be a factor.
Choosing a perfect neighborhood is a huge decision. You may plan on living in your new home forever, but there is a good chance that you won’t. Thoughtfully selecting a neighborhood will ensure that you are better positioned to sell when the time comes.