Are you looking at more than the home?

When you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important to consider the neighborhood in addition to the property itself. After all, buying a home is a big investment and you want to make sure you get a good deal in a safe and desirable area. Aside from the home itself, the neighborhood can directly affect your home’s value. Here are some red flags to look out for when shopping for a new home in a neighborhood!

Crime Rate

If the neighborhood has a higher crime rate than average, it could indicate a lack of safety or security. Make sure to research the crime rate of the area you’re looking at and consider how it could affect your safety and the value of your home. Another way to check if the area is a safe space to live in is whether or not kids are playing outside. If you don’t see people walking around or sitting on their front porches, this could mean that these people don’t feel safe outside. Check with the local police department about the crime rate in the neighborhood.

Schools

If the schools aren’t good, it could affect the value of your home and the quality of life for your family. Consider researching the school system and deciding if it’s a fit for your family’s needs. If you have kids or planning to have one in the future, this is something that you should consider. You can use a site like greatschools.org to check.

Stores and Banks

When buying a home, check if the location is close to essential amenities. If the neighborhood is too far away from basic amenities like grocery stores, banks, and restaurants, it could be a sign that it’s not an area for you and your family. You should also look up future plans for the area. Plans for new schools, hospitals, public transportation, and other commercial buildings can greatly impact the value of the location and your future home.

Noise Levels

You might not realize it, but high noise levels can also be a problem for some. Excessive noise from traffic, neighbors, or nearby businesses can be a major nuisance to people living within the vicinity. For example, people living near an airport, stadium, or train station can experience excessive noise regularly. While a certain level of noise is okay, you don’t want to live having to wear earplugs on a daily basis. Excessive noise pollution can also cause stress-related illnesses, sleep disruption, hearing loss, and more. Take a drive around the area at different times of the day to get an idea of the noise level.

Other Properties

Your agent can help you look into the property values in the neighborhood. Are the homes in the area well-maintained or are there many homes in need of repair? Do the homes have similar features and are they similar in size? You can also check market reports online or with your real estate agent to see whether the property values in an area are consistently going up or not. If the homes in the area have lower values, it may be a sign that the neighborhood isn’t a strong investment.

When looking for a new home, it’s important to pay attention to the neighborhood. Research the crime rate, school system, amenities, aesthetics, and neighborliness of the area to ensure you’re making the right decision. While you may be in love with the house, it’s important to look beyond the walls and consider the potential negatives a neighborhood may present. I have the tools needed to help you evaluate if the neighborhood is the right fit for you. Call me to talk about your perfect neighborhood!