| Location is the key to any real estate transaction. | | | | However, you should also check the surrounding area |
| When looking to purchase a new home, you need to | | | | within a several mile radius. Crime statisitcs are |
| not only look at the home, but the surrounding | | | | available through your local police department or |
| neighborhood. | | | | online. You can go to the United States Census |
| Consider your personal relationship to the area first. | | | | Bureau for more information. |
| How far is it from work, school and shopping? If you | | | | Even if you don't have children, you should check the |
| will be facing a longer commute time, you may be | | | | local school district performance. This can be an |
| facing higher gasoline costs. Drive the morning drive | | | | indication of the quality of life and crime in the |
| from the potential neighborhood to work and school. | | | | neighborhood. Compare the information to that of |
| You may find that the drive is much different at 7:30 | | | | schools throughout the city or state. Ask how many |
| in the morning than it is at 2:15 in the afternoon. | | | | extracurricular activities are available for students -- |
| Is the neighborhood what you need for your family? | | | | the more time at school, the less time for trouble. |
| Are there area schools, neighboring children and | | | | You should look at the various local amenities in the |
| churches of your faith? Are there parks or | | | | area. You are looking for high quality shopping, well |
| recreational activities for your children? If you are | | | | maintained public areas, plenty of entertainment |
| older, are there activities that you enjoy? Are there | | | | options and restaurants. |
| senior citizen facilities for your parents? | | | | Drive through the neighborhood and the surrounding |
| You will find two types of bad neighborhoods out | | | | streets. Are the homes in good condition? Are there |
| there. There are those that look just awful, and | | | | signs of growth, such as remodeling or new building? |
| those that are awful in disguise. You may not notice | | | | Are the streets maintained and police patrolled? |
| that a neighborhood isn't perfect as you drive by it | | | | Find out what the percentage of ownership is in the |
| during the day. The neighborhood is quiet and clean. | | | | neighborhood. The higher the rate of ownership, the |
| But once night sets, people loiter on the corners and | | | | better your investment becomes. |
| petty theft becomes a common activity. | | | | Don't be afraid to get out there and ask questions. |
| Most people don't realize that they are purchasing | | | | Ask the local police department what they think of |
| into a bad neighborhood until it is too late. It is | | | | the area. Have your Realtor show you comps on the |
| important to drive through the neighborhood during | | | | streets surrounding the neighborhood. Ask home |
| the day, night and weekend nights. What else can | | | | inspectors, appraisers and residents about the |
| you do to determine the true nature of the | | | | neighborhood. |
| neighborhood? | | | | By doing a little investigative foot work, you can |
| Start with checking out the crime statistics for the | | | | make sure that you are purchasing a home in a good |
| area. You can find neighborhood specific data. | | | | neighborhood, thus protecting your investment. |