WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NEIGHBORHOOD

Is 2022 the year you plan on buying a house? If it is, congratulations! That’s an amazing accomplishment. Buying a home can be both an exciting and stressful experience. There are various aspects to consider when finding the right home. For example, location, home size, cost, and features are all items you’ll be taking into consideration when you look at potential houses. Also before getting started learn the terms that go along with the home-buying process.

 

In terms of location, a great way to start is by having a list of what you are looking for in a future neighborhood. If this is your first home and you plan on staying there for a long time, it’s especially crucial that you enjoy the surrounding area!

 

Before you start researching neighborhoods, you should ask yourself, how much house can I afford? This will tell you how much of a home you can afford and help give you a realistic idea of the neighborhoods you should be looking in. You’ll be able to eliminate any areas that are out of your budget and make your house hunt more productive and efficient.

 

If you still work in an office every day, ensure your new home is a reasonable and easy commute to your workplace. Use Google Maps to look at travel times. Make sure to consider traveling during peak times like the morning and evening when you look at the data.

 

You will need to factor in if your new commute would include tolls, highways, or bridges. A daily commute can be a large part of your day, so make sure you look at homes that will allow for a practical commute. Also consider the distance to grocery stores, entertainment, gas, and gyms.

 

Everyone wants to feel safe and comfortable in their home, especially in a new area. Researching the safety and crime rates of the neighborhood is a good way to learn more. These safety tools can help you discover detailed information on your potential new neighborhood. Always drive around the neighborhood both during the day and at night. This way you can see any differences in daytime and evening traffic. Drive around any surrounding neighborhoods as well. You will most likely be visiting stores, restaurants, and shops around your new home, so make sure they are the right fit for you.

 

If you have children or plan on having children, finding a neighborhood that is family-friendly should be on your list. This includes taking an in-depth look at the school district available. If you want to be in a neighborhood that has families and focuses on building community make sure to let your realtor know. A good realtor team will be able to help you narrow down houses that are a good fit on all levels. When looking at the community, focus on if they have kids’ activities or a recreation center. Also, understand what the commute for your kids looks like at school every day.

 

When you do your research on the neighborhood, you know if this home and area will be a good fit for you and your family. This is especially important if you plan on making this your forever home. Once you have found a home that fits your needs and a neighborhood you are excited to join, it’s time to think about what type of mortgage will be best for you. If you are confident in your home and are looking to pay less interest over time, looking into 15- year mortgage rates is a good idea. This type of loan allows you to pay your home off sooner and for less. A great benefit to a fixed mortgage is that your interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan, so you don’t have to worry about rising rates.

 

When you learn more about a potential home and the surrounding neighborhood, you should be confident in your buying decision. If the neighborhood is a good fit and the home fits your needs, then that makes your home-buying decision a lot easier!

 

If the home is where the heart is, make sure your heart is in the right place. Get started on your neighborhood research and begin the home-buying process with a trustworthy real estate agent. Contact us today to help you find your dream home!