When you are looking for a home, are you buying the house or the neighbourhood it sits in? While you want to find a house that has the features on your list of “must haves” and at least some of the ones on your “nice to have” list, you also need to keep in mind that location matters a great deal, too.
Buying the House or the Neighbourhood: You are Getting Both
If you found a house that was absolutely perfect for you and your family’s needs, but it wasn’t located in an area that liked or where you would feel comfortable living, would you still buy it? You probably would pass on the house, since it’s important to you that the home you choose is in an area that is close to shopping, schools, recreational facilities and public transit or a major roadway if you are driving to and from work.
The reverse situation may also be true as well; if you found a great neighbourhood that had all the amenities that you are looking for but the available homes are not what you are looking for. You might need to pass on the houses in an area due to their design, condition (a fixer-upper may not be what you have in mind), or due to budget constraints.
How to Research the Neighbourhood Before you Buy
Along with finding out where the best places to order pizza are late at night on weekends, you also want to find out some other pertinent details about what it would be like to live in the neighbourhood before you make an offer on a home. If you get an opportunity, make a point of saying hello to potential neighbours and ask them how long they have been living on the street, if they are happy there and what issues, if any, they have noticed.
Drive through the neighbourhood on different days and at different times of the day. Find out what it’s like first thing in the morning when you will be going to work, after dark, and on weekends. Is it noisy, or a relatively calm place?
If you have questions or concerns about finding the right house in the right neighbourhood, contact me for assistance. As an experienced real estate professional, I can help you find the right home, in the right area at the right price.
