Skip to main content

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Buying a home involves many nuances: kitchen size, bedroom count, backyard space, etc … One factor that can trump even the most perfect home is the neighborhood.

Finding the right combination of home and neighborhood hospitality that fits your unique needs can be difficult if you’re not entirely sure what you want, or if you’re new to town. 

It’s critical to do your research before deciding to buy, and often your REALTOR® can help you find the neighborhood that’s right for your lifestyle and that fits your budget. 

Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Jot down a list of your daily activities. For example, you might write down work, church, coffee, grocery stores or the dry cleaners. How far would you have to travel to each destination from your home? Do you mind the commute? As you begin to look at neighborhoods, keep the location of these frequent errands in mind.
  • Research the school district. The school or the city’s education department should be able to provide you with class size, test scores, special enrichment programs, extracurricular activities and the percentage of students that go on to college. No kids yet? It’s still a good idea to consider school districts. When the time comes to sell your home, schools could be an important to factor to potential buyers.
  • Economic Stability. Is the neighborhood new or old? Are home prices rising, falling or are they stable? Check for vacant homes and apartment complexes as these could potentially affect the value of homes in your area. Remember, your REALTOR® is a good source for this kind of information.
  • Check crime. You’ll want to be sure crime levels aren’t high in your new neighborhood. Check with the local police department for crime rates. Be sure to ask about regular criminal activity. If burglaries are high on the list – you might consider looking elsewhere.
  • Take a tour. The best way to get to know a potential neighborhood is to walk or drive around. Talk with people at local businesses or ask folks in the neighborhood. Test out local restaurants and get to know the environment.
Want to find the right home? Talk to a REALTOR® today!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect?  Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or separati
Post a Comment
Read more

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement.  With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a
Post a Comment
Read more

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

  (Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1  package cream cheese 1/4  tablespoon garlic powder 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2  lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 cup fine
Post a Comment
Read more