Nailing the House Hunt: What to Look for in Your Next Neighborhood
The 2017 Twin Cities Parade of Homes opens soon, so when we found these tips on selecting a neighborhood (like the Spirit of Brandtjen Farm in Lakeville shown above) we thought they were just the ticket to help you think community as well as home. Thanks to our guest blogger Eva Curtis.
When you start looking for a new home, one of the most important considerations will be the neighborhood you choose. But how can you make sure you choose a property in the right location? Here are some tools and tips to help you.
Use a Dedicated Search Engine
You can find tools online that make searching for your ideal neighborhood easy. For example, check out Neighborhood Scout. This useful tool allows you to search based on various criteria including crime levels and public schools.
You can also search the best neighborhoods based on what you are looking for, such as locations that are great for families with kids or the best places for first-time buyers.
Use Google Maps
Another great tool is Google Maps. You can use this to get a feel for an area before you even visit it, and this could help you to save time visiting a neighborhood that turns out to be unsuitable. So always have a quick scan of the area online before deciding whether to visit in person or not. (Editors Note: When you plan your tour online for the Parade of Homes, remember to click on the map tab, you can zoom in and out as well as see nearby points of interest!)
How to Assess a Neighborhood
Other than using tools to help you choose the best place to live, you can use your own criteria to assess a neighborhood.
Write a list of all the things that are important to you. This could include schools, nearby stores, public transport, green space, restaurants, cinemas, and more. The distance to your place of work is also likely to be a deciding factor.
Then you can use this list when you are looking for a suitable neighborhood and when you visit a property to help you decide.
New neighborhoods often offer some amazing amenities right on site, like the pool at the Spirit of Brandtjen Farm in Lakeville, MN.
Trust Your Instincts
You can often make a quick decision about a neighborhood based on its appearance. When you first view a property in an area, try to get a feel for the whole area.
Is it clean and tidy? Are there people walking around, children playing, etc? Look at the condition of the other properties in the area rather than just the one you are viewing.
Does it feel safe? Does it feel like the sort of place you would be comfortable walking around late at night?
While you can be wrong in your initial impression of a neighborhood, there is often a reason why you make a snap judgment. Often it’s best to go with your instincts.
Can You Afford It?
Another factor to consider is affordability. If you do some research or ask an estate agent, you will quickly be able to find out how affordable an area is. And while you may find a property that is within your budget, you should also consider how expensive it will be to live in the area.
You might be planning to apply for a home loan in Colorado or elsewhere from somewhere like Mortgage Loan Ease, so you will already have a good idea of what you can afford. You can save yourself a lot of time by sticking to neighborhoods that are within your budget. (Editors Note: Use our product/service search to find mortgage companies in the Twin Cities.)
Choose Your Neighborhood Carefully
The location of your new property is one of the most important factors to consider, so make sure you get it right. Even if you find what you think is your dream property, always make sure it is in a suitable location first, and use these tips to help you.
Eva Curtis works in real estate and has gathered a wealth of knowledge from working many years in the industry. Read her top tips online in her articles.