Homework for the Homebuyer
by Nancy Hare

The single most important consideration it is said, to keep in mind when buying a home, in real estate, especially when establishing property value, is: location, location, location.

Houses may be updated, renovated, and improved, but neighbourhoods and communities tend to retain their basic character and market value over periods of time. Is the home in a neighbourhood where people want to move, buy homes, and raise families? Is there access to schools, transportation, and shopping? Is the area run-down or noisy?

Look for an area where homes sell quickly and easily. Avoid neighbourhoods with a large number of undeveloped lots, poorly maintained homes and yards, and mixed zoning (commercial and residential together).

Your next stage in the home buying process is research. This must be done on the scene, with your realtor or by driving or walking slowly through the streets. That's the only successful way to get the feel of a neighbourhood.

But what, exactly, defines "a neighbourhood"? It may be a collection of homes around a physical landmark, such as a park, a valley, or hill. It can be as small as one block or large enough to surround a shopping area.

When you start looking for a neighbourhood, think about what you want in terms of proximity to people and services. Do you want to be close enough to stores so that you can get there on foot or bicycle? Do you want a closely-knit community where everybody knows everybody else, or a more impersonal place?

Drive around and investigate neighbourhoods in the car, then get out and walk around those that really interest you. You learn a lot on foot. You want to educate yourself as much as possible about the community before you even begin to think of buying there.

• What are you looking for as you scrutinise an area?
  If you're looking in a city, are there vacant lots? How long have they been that way?
• Are yards well landscaped? Or are they filled with weeds? Are there broken-down cars and bikes in the yard? That's a sign of sloppy homeowners and lack of community concern.
• Do children play in the streets? This could be good or bad. It might be a sign of a safe community, or it could indicate that there are no playgrounds or parks available. Cul-de-sacs or dead-end streets are very desirable for kids, since they mean no speeding traffic.
• Do you see older people sitting on porches as well as children outside? A sign of good balance in the population.
• Are the residential neighbourhoods sprinkled with commercial establishments? Many homeowners like having a corner grocer, a few boutiques, and some popular restaurants nearby. Of course, the encroachment of shopping malls or industry with large parking lots would be a different story.
• How close is the nearest highway? Do you hear a lot of traffic as you walk the streets? Is it safe for kids?
• Are there any properties nearby which could contribute to noise pollution?

Make yourself a list of pros and cons. No one neighbourhood will be perfect, but there will be some whose faults you can overlook because their positive qualities overcome their liabilities.

Day-Care, Pre-school: Where are nearby day-care and pre-school facilities? What types of programs do they offer? Will be there a place for your child? Which days and what times are available? What are the costs?

Recreational Facilities: Will you be allowed to use recreational facilities in the area? Where are parks located and what facilities do they have? Are the parks used by recreation organisations on specific days?

Hospital and Medical Services: Where is the nearest hospital? Are emergency medical facilities closer?

Police and Fire Protection: How available are police, fire and emergency services? Is the protection adequate? Will a neighbourhood watch program protect your home? Does the area have access to a 911 or other emergency telephone number?

Television Reception: Is TV reception adequate? Is cable TV available for those who want? Are there restrictions on antennae? Can you have your own satellite dish?

Telephone Service: Will telephone service be available as soon as you move in? Will a private line be available? What other telephone services are available?

Postal Service: Will mail be delivered to the front porch, to the front curb or to community mailboxes at the end of the road? Will mail be delivered daily? Where is the nearest facility to mail packages, buy stamps, etc.?

Trash Collection: Is a commercial garbage collection service available. Or will you have to haul and dispose of your own trash? If dumpsters are provided, where are they located?

Water and Sewer: Are water and sewer facilities adequate?

Property Taxes: What are the property taxes now and what are they expected to be? Is a general tax increase expected?

Zoning Changes and New Construction: Have there been any recent zoning changes? Are zoning changes anticipated? Is new construction planned that will change the appearance of or the traffic flow through the neighbourhood?

If you cannot do all this research on your own, you can trust your Realtor to do most of this for you.

Nancy Hare is the Owner / Real Estate Manager of New View Realty Ltd. in Miramichi and has years of experience in the Real Estate Industry. For more information about Real Estate or to comment on this article, contact Nancy by phone at 506-627-6735, by fax at 506-778-1924 or email nvrmanager@hotmail.com