Considerations When Buying a Home

This is probably the single most important consideration to keep in mind when buying a home.   In the real estate business, it is said that three things count in establishing property value:  location, location, location. 

Houses may be updated, renovated, and improved, but neighborhoods and communities tend to retain their basic character and market value over periods of time.  Here are some other things you need to think about:

• Is the home in a safe neighborhood where people want to move, buy homes, and raise families?
• Is there access to schools, transportation, and shopping?
• Is the area run-down, filled with high crime, or noisy?
• Are people moving away to better places to live? 

Look for an area where homes sell quickly and easily.  It's a good sign if houses stay on the market for less than three months; if it takes six months or more for homes to sell, look elsewhere. 

Avoid neighborhoods with a large number of undeveloped lots, abandoned homes, poorly maintained homes and yards, a large number of FOR SALE signs, or mixed zoning (commercial and residential together).

More homebuyer tips…