Checking out the neighborhood is one of the must-do items before buying a home. Instead of hiring a private inspector, we suggest that you study the neighborhood yourself.

To aid you through the process, we’ve listed below five important factors to consider when selecting the ideal neighborhood:

• Crime Statistics and Safety

Peace and safety should be at the top of your list.  Who wants to live in a crime-prone neighborhood anyway?

To begin with,  google how high or low the crime rate is in the neighborhood you’re investigating;  if you want  more information or to explore further, call the local police station.

• Availability of Basic Amenities

Make a checklist of the amenities you think are most important to you. If you have children, make sure there are good schools in the area.  Check out ratings and reviews of various local public and private elementary schools, high schools, even day care centers.

You may also need to consider the proximity of your prospective house to the schools and your office. If you’re going to commute, find out how long it will take you to reach your regular destinations. If you’re driving a car, it’s wise that you also identify other transportation alternatives.  If there are buses and trains, check out their schedules.

Besides schools and transportation, other important amenities to consider are hospitals, malls, supermarkets, churches, parks, and entertainment centers.

• First Impression

Your first impression of a prospective home or neighborhood is crucial.  Can you imagine yourself and your family living in that house or neighborhood? Do they fit your lifestyle?

To make a fair judgement, visit the place at different times of the day; drive through the area to capture a snapshot of life in the neighborhood. While looking for nice spaces, also spot for unpleasant sights such as abandoned buildings and graffiti on the walls. If you found too much disgusting surroundings, you would probably think it’s not safe to live in that neighborhood.

Talk to your future neighbors as well; ask them what they like and don’t like in the area.

• Personality

Match your personality to your prospective neighborhood.

If you’re single and looking for a mate, you’re more likely to pick a neighborhood full of single people.

If you’re a parent, choose a neighborhood where there are businesses catering to children.

If you’re a professional, choose a neighborhood where other professionals live. If you’re surrounded by other professionals, who share a similar schedule as yours, you could save yourself from late night noise, and some of them could even form a good support group.

• Property Value and Neighborhood Improvements

Most homeowners consider the potential value of their properties, which increases over time.

Your prospective home is a very good investment whether or not you sell it in the future.  If the value of your property is high and its neighborhood is set for future improvements, such investment can be deemed as a good addition to your current inventory of assets.

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