Buying a home whether it’s your first time or your hundredth is exciting, and it’s easy to get caught up with the house, but don’t forget choosing a neighbourhood is just as important. Make sure it’s a good fit for you because even if you end up with the home of your dreams – it won’t stay your dream home for long if you hate your neighbourhood. Take a good, honest look at yourself and your needs and then start considering your neighbourhood.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you have children or plans for children?
Only you know your child’s needs. Do they need a big yard? Or would a small yard in a neighbourhood with lots of other kids be better? Decide what your family needs, and then look for neighbourhoods that can offer it.
What is your budget?
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Make sure you stick with looking at homes in neighbourhoods that fit your bottom line. That way, you won’t waste time or heartache on homes you know you can’t afford.
Time and patience?
I have seen many people looking for those old homes with personality. They tend to be in established neighbourhoods with tree lined streets, amazing amenities and full size lots. There is no doubt older homes have personality and style. The downside to purchasing an older home is they tend to require a-lot more maintenance than their younger counterparts. A first time home buyer may be enticed by the charm of a historical neighbourhood, but that wears off quickly if the plumbing breaks or the electrical isn’t really up to code and you can’t fix it. Make sure you have the skills, money, and patience it takes to maintain an older home if you choose a historical neighbourhood.
What neighbourhood fits you?
Would you go crazy without access to public transit? Do you need dynamic nighlife only offered in a Big City? Do you need the big box stores? Make sure you take all of these questions into account when you start looking at new neighbourhoods.
Questions to ask about your new neighbourhood
What is the crime rate?
You can’t protect and predict everything, but a simple search ahead of time can help you protect your family by making informed decisions. Also check for registered sex offenders in the neighbourhood you are investigating.
What do your possible new neighbours think of the neighbourhood?
The best people to ask are the ones who live there. Go ahead and ask your possible new neighbours what they think of the schools, neighbours, parks, and amenities.
What is the area like during weekdays? What is it like on the weekend?
Go check out your potential new neighbourhood more than once. Just because it’s calm on a Wednesday doesn’t meant it won’t be loud and crazy on a Friday night. Maybe that overly loud traffic when you went to view the house was an anomaly. Go for a second, third and even fourth visit and be objective and observant.
If you need some help picking a neighbourhood, consider enlisting a member of our team. We can offer advice about home inspections, mortgage rates. We can look up the median age of people in the neighbourhoods you are looking at and find homes for sale, check the weather patterns and even research crime statistics.
Asking the right questions is the first step to finding the perfect new neighbourhood and home. Take the time up front to do your research and it will pay off for years to come.
Be sure to check out the newest homes for sale in Edmonton through our new and improved Edmonton MLS listings.
