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If you are considering buying in an unfamiliar
neighborhood, take the time to walk or drive around it, both
during the day and in the evening
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Check out the availability of community amenities
(such as public transportation, parks, stores, churches and
schools). If you have school-age children you may even
want to visit the local schools and daycare centers.
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It's a good idea to travel the new driving
route to and from work during the appropriate times to see what
traffic is like.
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The quality of neighborhood planning, any
future development plans and local zoning will also have a significant
effect on a neighborhood's desirability. Resale values
and even future property taxes are likely to be affected by
any significant neighborhood changes. Are developers interested
in the neighborhood? If so, find out what kind of projects they
have planned. You should remember that attractive tree
covered empty spaces often become the location of new development
in desirable areas.
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Find out if there are major infrastructure
projects planned for the area. Major construction projects,
such as widening the area's major roadway, are usually part
of a long-range city, town of county plan. While construction
can be disruptive you need to determine if it will have a positive
or negative long-term effect on the neighborhood and its property
values. Find out all you can before you decide to buy.
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Look into the local job market as well.
You can expect property values to rise if area employers are
creating more jobs, especially higher-paying jobs.
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Talk to the neighbors. The could be
one of your most valuable sources of community information.
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Great Beginnings start
