Where you live is as important as the house you live in. Maybe you have a good idea of where you want to live but don t let that keep you from looking at other neighborhoods. While looking around, don’t forget to check the statistics, ask questions, do your research, and make first hand observations to ensure that you make a decision that will suit your family while making the best possible investment. Here are some things to consider when choosing a neighborhood:
1. Quality of Schools
If you have children or are planning to have children, this is one of your biggest considerations. Log onto the Internet or request brochures from schools in the area that you are interested in to ensure that they are right for your children.
2. Value of Properties
Protect your investment by researching the possibility of future development in the neighborhood that may decrease the property value.
3. Decide on Property Type
Decide whether you are looking for an apartment or flat, house, condo, townhouse etc. before you start searching for the right neighborhood.
4. What Style Are You Interested In?
Once you’ve decided what type of property you are looking for you can start considering what style you would like whether it is Cape Cod, Victorian etc. This will certainly have an effect on what neighborhood to choose.
5. Amount of Traffic
Nobody really want huge amounts of traffic in their neighborhood, but if you rely on public transport you may want to live close to bus stops or have access to taxi’s. These spots might be closer to mainstream traffic.
6. Crime in the Area
Do some research on the crime statistic of the area. This will most likely have an influence on you insurance so it is worth the effort and consideration.
7. Proximity to Amenities
If you walk where you want to be, you might want to consider the amenities in the neighborhood. Would it be able for you to get to the library, shops and restaurants, campus on foot? This is especially important if you are investing or buying holiday property or buy to let property.
8. What Don’t You Want?
Make a list of things you don’t want in your neighborhood. If you don’t want a noisy area, it is best to stay away from neighborhoods where there are student accommodation or close to pubs and clubs. If you don’t want to commute too far everyday, be sure to consider a property close to your place of work.
9. Developments in the Area
When you consider a neighborhood, be sure to research upcoming or future developments in the area. These developments might change the picture for you in a negative or positive way.
10. Can You Afford the Areas Tax?
Make sure you can afford the neighborhood tax.
It is essential that you do research on neighborhoods before you make a decision as to where you want to buy property. The Internet, local community papers and neighborhood or homeowners associations are fantastic resources.
Author Resource:
Elizabeth works for South Africa's leading online property portal - SAHometraders, which advertises property for sale in all areas of South Africa. Property types include houses, flats, apartments, farms, smallholdings and development and commercial property. Visit http://www.sahometraders.co.za
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