Buyer Tips: Locate the Neighborhood BEFORE You Look for a New Home
Charlotte has a multitude of areas, subareas, communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods and if you’re new to the area, you really do need a knowledgeable agent to guide you through the process of elimination as far as neighborhoods are concerned.
There are a few good sites that I recommend to my clients to learn more about the different areas/neighborhoods in Charlotte. First, you’ll want to consult your agent and let him/her know, specifically, what you’re looking for. Ask your agent if he/she is a Charlotte Certified Neighborhood Specialist. If so, he/she will be able to assist you in matching your current neighborhood to one very similar in your destination city. If at all possible, consult one in your destination city–you’ll be glad you did!
1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are near the neighborhood you are considering as your destination neighborhood. Keep in mind what distance is acceptable to and from frequented locations (work, school, worship) and the routes which you’ll be taking. Map them to see if the traffic pattern is going to be easy to alternate in the event of rush hour or accident traffic.
2. Determine the best features of a couple of neighborhoods; this is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods in a few different areas. What lifestyle needs are important in your community and home selection?
Are there parks located nearby? Where are they located?
Is the neighborhood scenic and visually appealing?
Are the people friendly?
Is the neighborhood clean?
Are there nice trees and foliage; are there evergreens for year-round privacy and beauty?
Are the lots large or small?
Are there sidewalks and are they easily accessible?
Is the neighborhood safe?
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
How many homes are for sale?
How long ago was the community developed?
Are residents making improvements and updating interiors to help maintain property values?
What are the age demographics in the area?
Are there families with small children in the area or is it an ‘empty nest’ community or a neighborhood of young professionals with or without children?
What is the proximity to schools?
Does the neighborhood have community events or an active homeowner’s association?
Are there any new nearby industrial or retail building planned for the future? Any power plants? Highways?
3. Take a stroll around the neighborhood. The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents.
4. Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and different days of the week. Are there people out and about in the neighborhood, walking, riding bikes, socializing?
A lot of these items cannot be adressed by your real estate agent because of Fair Housing but, as a Buyer, you can and should do your homework–taking the time to investigate will save you headache and hardship down the road. My clients are encouraged to visit the neighborhood and meet some of the neighbors. Discuss their likes and dislikes of their own neighborhood with the neighbors. Find the answers to some of your questions above.
Here are a few sites that I recommend to help you answer the questions above are:
(Local Demographics By Zip Code)
Congratulations! You are now on the road to being able to narrow your list down to the neighborhood that you know you’ll enjoy living in for years to come!
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
Debe ~ This is an excellent post for buyers looking in your Charlotte area ~ The links are excellent ~ Never heard of the Skinny Zip link, off to check it out!! Thanks and have a wonderful holiday weekend!!
Thanks, Frank & Karen! I utilize those links often as I get demographic questions all of the time. I just send them to ZipSkinny to do their own due diligence. I love that site!
Hi Debe ... Well put together !! I also surfed your links and ZipSkinny ....Very Nice
Thanks, Robert! That's one of my favorite sites--you can embed it in your posts too--very cool!
Debe - excellent advice for any buyer - especially the out of town buyers that I get so much. Once I know what communities appeal to them and why, the property search is easier for them and me!
I forgot about ZipSkinny - thank you, ma'm!
These are excellent tips Debe. The process of moving into a new home and area can be a daunting task but folks need to take a breath, follow your advice above, and find a qualified agent who can facilitate their "wants and needs". Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
Debe, You always have such great blog posts with so many great tips for buyers. I am going to reblog and share your tips with my own readers. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!
Debe - Great post - thanks! Hope you're having a wonderful memorial Day weekend!!
Debe - This is excellent advice for home buyers and you've provided a lot of great questions.
Debe - Very nicely put. First time buyers need much guidance.
Hey, Debe! I included this post in Last Week's Favorites
Debe - this is excellent advise, and one that I try to get all of my buyers to do. Unfortunately, buyers don't usually want to listen to us professionals.
Debe - I just got a call last night that reflected this and they listened to me. Last week I gave the client the areas that worked for their criteria. They were on two total different ends of the spectrum. SO they visted one area yesterday and plan on the other today. THEN they will get in touch to view.
Hence my most recent post.Funny how we have synergy to the next.
Debe, this is why I give buyers Area Tours first, so they can hone in on the neighborhoods they love, then we drill down to the perfect home for them!
Sharon
Debe! Very true!! Great neighborhoods stand the test of time - and it shows. The neighborhood truly can make the difference!! Thanks for the links too!!
I found this post from "Last Weeks Favorites" post! All very true and great advice to home buyers. Love the zipskinny link. We also have very distinctive neighborhoods in Oakland can Berkeley.
Debe - great post, as usual! You are always SO on target in helping buyers and newcomers to Charlotte. I love ZipSkinny - great tool to help us give info without violating fair housing! You rock!
Debe, this is a fantastic list to keep for review and a great idea! And no, we cannot address many of the clients questions and what a great way for them to "feel at home". I'm bookmarking this one for later review. Thanks for the awesome tips!
Debe - with the market still relatively slow, even renting for a short while so that yo get the feel of the community, maybe a god idea for people from out of the area
That's some great advice. The neighborhood needs to have the things you are looking for such as schools, shopping, access to your job, recreational facilities, etc. Finding the neighborhood can be harder than finding the house.