Do you need to be close to schools, public transit, highways, or work? Those can be huge factors when choosing an area to live in. It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.
•Talk to people who live 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 area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc.
Neighborhood Factors to Consider:
•Look for things like access to major highways, and shopping.
•Listen for noise created by, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.
•Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.
•Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.
•Research things like soil and water.
•Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.
•Is the neighborhood near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.?
House shop with a spouse, parent, or a friend
•Ask a question regarding the home.
•Take some pictures on your smartphone so you can reference them later.
•Make a checklist with all your needs and wants.
Questions To Ask When Assessing Home:
•What is the proximity to recreation or work?
•Is there adequate storage space?
•Will any remodeling be required or is the house move-in ready?
•How much are the yearly property taxes?
•How much do utilities run each month? Does the house use gas or electricity for the furnace, water heater, and appliances?
•How old are the major appliances, and are they included?
•Have there been any major repairs to the house, and if so, when were they completed?
•Has there been any problems with insects or rodents?
Things To Look Out For In A When Shopping For A Home:
•Doors and windows (are they new/old?)
•Water leaks or Squeaky floors
•Soggy areas around the yard that indicate poor drainage and could lead to a wet basement,
•Missing shingles, lighting, etc., and or cracks in walls, ceilings, patios, and foundation
