| Moving into a new neighborhood can be a scary | | | | may also consider taking evening walks around the |
| prospect if you aren’t familiar with the area. A | | | | block. You may even get the opportunity to meet a |
| home’s neighborhood is so important that real | | | | few of your future neighbors this way. |
| estate values are in part determined upon the | | | | Asking People you Know |
| surrounding area. Are there schools, shopping or | | | | If you are unfamiliar with a certain area of town, |
| parks nearby? How are the neighbors - are they | | | | chances are you know someone who is. Don’t |
| noisy, personable, child and pet friendly? These are all | | | | be afraid to ask friends, family or co-workers about |
| questions likely to go through your head when | | | | their opinion of a neighborhood. Just be sure not to |
| moving into a new area. Fortunately there are ways | | | | judge too harshly based upon their words, as one |
| to have these questions answered long before you | | | | person’s trash is another’s treasure. Chances |
| unpack your belongings into your new place. Though | | | | are that you will get a good feeling about the area |
| your decision to move into the neighborhood may | | | | by visiting in person, but asking others may alert you |
| not be affected by what you discover, it’s | | | | to issues you may have not considered. For instance, |
| always nice to be prepared and know what you and | | | | if you have never lived near a school, you may not |
| your family are getting into. | | | | realize that although it is convenient, it can lead to |
| The following are just a few simple tips on scouting | | | | unwanted noise and/or trespassing on your property. |
| your new neighborhood: | | | | Scouting it Out Online |
| Taking a Look in Person | | | | With the age of the Internet, it has become easier |
| Obviously the best way to get a look at the | | | | to scout out places from the comfort of your own |
| neighborhood is by taking a look in person. However, | | | | home. Try doing a Google Map search. If you live |
| it’s often hard to get an idea of what the area | | | | nowhere near your new neighborhood, this can be a |
| is like by spending a few minutes at the property | | | | great asset. Not only can you peek at the facilities |
| during a showing. Take the time to drive by the | | | | nearby, you can also often get a street view on the |
| home at different times of the day, and different | | | | map. You can also try out home pricing sites such as |
| days of the week. The quiet and serene environment | | | | Zillow to get an idea of the quality and size of the |
| you see midday on a Tuesday probably varies | | | | other homes in the area. This may in fact have an |
| greatly from what you will see on the weekends. If | | | | impact on the value of your home, now and in the |
| you live close enough to your new neighborhood, you | | | | future. |