Purchasing a home can be a daunting decision. There are many factors that you must consider to ensure the house is something that you love, somewhere you want to stay, and somewhere that is safe for your family. While the actual home itself is important and must have all the features and the characteristics that you desire, so should the neighborhood. Before signing on any dotted line, you should do ample research on the neighborhood. Here are five things you should know about a neighborhood before you make an offer.
The Commute
If you don’t like long commutes and even like to run home during your lunch break, you want to look for a home nearby. However, even more than the location of your home, is what the neighborhood is like during your commuting times. Is the neighborhood in the suburbs with very little traffic or it is a large community with busy main roads? You may also want to consider what it is like getting to and from your regular shopping stores. If it is difficult to get to your favorite locations, you’ll quickly become frustrated with the home.
The Daily Activities
Whether you choose to live in a Markham or Unionville neighborhood, you should determine what the activity outside your home is like throughout the day. While touring the home, the outside area may have been quiet, but in the evening or late at night, is the neighborhood a bustling hub? It is wise to drive by the home and check out the neighborhood at varying times for a few days to ensure the neighbor’s activity is what you like.
3. The Crime Rate
Your home is your refuge and you need it to remain that way. Do some research to discover the crime rates in the neighborhood. Check not only for the number of home thefts in the area but also for automobile thefts, gangs, sex offenders, and so on.
4. School Ratings
If you have young children in your home, the school system in the neighborhood should be at the top of your list. Schools are ranked based on several criteria including test scores and children’s access to certain amenities such as technology. Some schools in the same community can vary drastically in their score. Be sure to carefully look at the school’s in the prospective home’s neighborhood to ensure it provides the resources and the means to give your children a proper education.
5. The Up-Keep of the Neighborhood
How well the neighbors take care of their yards and the exterior of the home can say a lot about the actual neighborhood. Neighborhoods that are run down and have yards need a lot of work can not only lower home’s values but are also a good indicator the neighbors don’t care as much about the neighborhood and its surroundings. Look for neighborhoods with nice yards and well-kept homes. This is a sign that people are more concerned about where they live and want to ensure it remains nice, safe, and beautiful.
Finding the neighborhood that meets you needs can be a challenge. However, by working with a Markham real estate agent, you can easily find the home and the neighborhood of your dreams.
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