Home Buyer's Guide:
Finding Your Home
NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
There are many factors to consider when selecting a home that's right for you. Below are just a few of the many factors--you may think of others that are important to you.
Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples or retirees. It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.
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Talk to people who live there.
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Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.
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Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc.
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Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways and shopping.
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Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.
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Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.
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Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information on the area.
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Research things like soil and water.
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Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.
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Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.
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Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner's Association.
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Find out what types of assessment taxes are associated with the neighborhood.
HOUSE CHARACTERISTICS TO CONSIDER:
Essential items to consider before viewing potential homes:
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Price
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Proximity to neighbors
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Safe area
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Near public transportation
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Quiet street
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Number of bedrooms
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Utility costs
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Maintenance
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Space for children/Space for entertaining
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Lot size/Fenced/Garden space
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Privacy
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Attached garage
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Interior and exterior space for hobbies
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Location for washer and dryer
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Fireplace
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Resale value