When entering into the home buying market it pays to do your homework. Purchasing a newly built home provides homeowners with a lot of exciting options that aren’t available to those buying an existing home. The ability to choose the floor plan, kitchen cabinets, flooring, fixtures, even the paint colors gives buyers the opportunity to feel like they are truly a part of creating their dream home.
But where do you want to build this dream home? For some people it’s not choosing the fixtures that’s stressful, it’s choosing the right neighborhood. Here are 5 simple tips that will help ensure that the home of your dreams isn’t in a nightmare neighborhood.
RESEARCH THE COMMUNITY
Before you buy, find out as much as you can about the subdivision. Do an Internet search on the schools in the area. Make the drive from the neighborhood you’re looking at to work or school. How’s the commute time? If you work from home, research cable and Internet providers in the area. A picturesque rural setting may not work for you if the Internet service is spotty.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO TALK TO NEIGHBORS
So you you’ve scoured the Internet for information about your ideal neighborhood. Great! Now don’t be afraid to go out and visit with neighbors. Strike up a conversation with people out walking their dogs or doing yard work. Talk to them about why they like living there. Most people are more than willing to talk about the things that make their neighborhood special.
MAKE MULTIPLE VISITS
Visit during different times of the day to get a feel for traffic and noise levels in the area. Are the streets well lit at night? Are neighbors out socializing or do they keep to themselves? These are all clues that can help you decide if the neighborhood is a good fit for your lifestyle.
ASK YOURSELF AN IMPORTANT QUESTION
Why do you want to move? Is there something you’ve always wanted that you are missing in your current neighborhood? Sit down and make a list of the things you would like to be close to. Would you rather live in a neighborhood that has a coffee shop down the street or more wide-open spaces? It’s important to be honest with yourself about what you expect from where you want to live.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION
Finally, take a few minutes to sit down and picture yourself living in the neighborhood. What does it look like? If you can see your kids playing outside and family barbecues in the backyard- you’re on the right track.
It can be tough making a major home buying decision, especially if it means switching your kids to a new school or making a drastic change to your daily routine. In the end remember why you wanted to make the switch in the first place, there is something missing that you want to change.
When you are ready to transition into a new home consider all of your options. Our home trade-in program is the perfect way to upgrade into the home of your dreams, in some of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Amarillo.
