Neighborhood Features to Examine Before Buying a Home

Location, Location, Location! An obvious and important aspect of buying a home is looking at the home itself, but another, and sometimes forgotten, is exploring the neighborhood. Limited amenities and services, unkempt communities and noisy neighbors can curb a home sale, and to avoid moving into an area that lacks the features owners are looking […]

Location, Location, Location! An obvious and important aspect of buying a home is looking at the home itself, but another, and sometimes forgotten, is exploring the neighborhood. Limited amenities and services, unkempt communities and noisy neighbors can curb a home sale, and to avoid moving into an area that lacks the features owners are looking for, it’s important that buyers examine the community as closely as they do the house.

There are several features to examine when looking at a neighborhood and it can be helpful if buyers have a clear idea of what they want in a community.

Amenities

Individuals may have a specific set of amenities they want their community to have, which may vary based on their family size, age and lifestyle. For example, individuals with young children may seek out a neighborhood with parks and playgrounds, while other demographics may want more cultural features and entertainment options. Those with an active lifestyle may seek out areas with parks, lakes and outdoor opportunities.

In addition, many parents choose communities based on the school systems, and they can rank different school districts by examining surrounding institutions on their state’s website. Some may offer special types of programs, while others are more geared toward athletics and educational initiatives.

It’s also important to consider proximity to work, major cities and schools as well when buying a home. Buyers should factor in driving distance and time to ensure morning commutes are not excessive and inquire about other forms of public transportation. Because really, who wants to sit in rush hour traffic during dinner time?!

Community history

Buyers may also benefit from examining the town’s history of violent crime, pollution, school test scores and growth. These factors may significantly drive the decision to purchase a home in a certain location, and knowing what to expect beforehand can help owners avoid surprises when they close on a new home.

Further, buyers should find out through the city if any large construction plans are expected to be carried out in the future. This may not seem important initially, but owners who are buying a home in a low-key quiet neighborhood may be dismayed if their town starts building more homes, shops and restaurants in the area. This is especially true for owners who belong to a homeowners association.

Last but certainly not least, talk to people in the community. Have lunch in town and communicate with current residents. Their answers can provide valuable insight regarding the neighborhood you are interested in. In addition to those living in the community a real estate professional can also provide their expert advice on the location you are interested in.

Image via knowtheneighbors.com

Lindsay is the the Director of Media Engagement for Coldwell Banker Real Estate and manages the brand’s media and social media department. She is also a licensed real estate professional. In 2017 & 2018, she was named a top 20 social influencer in the real estate industry in the annual Swanepoel 200 power rankings.

Lindsay lives in Livingston, NJ with her college sweetheart and now husband Joe and rwelcomed another Joe into her life as she became a mom in June 2016.

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8 Comments

  1. Neighborhood Features to Examine Before Buying a Home | Susan Lerner's Real Estate Blog
    May 30, 2013

    […] Buyers may also benefit from examining the town’s history of violent crime, pollution, school test scores and growth. These factors may significantly drive the decision to purchase a home in a certain location, and knowing what to expect beforehand can help …read more […]

    Reply
  2. Heather and Steve Ostrom
    May 30, 2013

    Great post Lindsay and great points. Talking to folks in the neighborhood, or in the grocery store are great ways to learn about the area. 🙂 Another important item to observe, seeing the neighborhood at different times of day and on a weekday and weekend. The dynamic of the area can feel much different after 6pm when all the cars are at home, or on a Friday night.

    Reply
    • Coldwell Banker
      May 30, 2013

      Thank you Heather (and Steve). You make great points. As always we appreciate you taking the time to read our blog and always providing valuable insight. Hope all is well!

      Reply
  3. Neighborhood Features to Examine Before Buying a Home | Dream Coldwell Banker
    August 2, 2013

    […] Originally posted on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter […]

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  4. Neighborhood Features to Examine Before Buying a Home | Dream Blue
    December 26, 2013

    […] Originally posted on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter […]

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