There is much to think about when you are in the process of moving house. For one, you need to find the right property. It needs to tick all of your boxes, the number of rooms it has, the style and design of the interior and exterior, and potential for any home improvements that might be on your wish list.
Then there are those other jobs that need to be taken care of, from sorting out your mortgage to finding the right moving company. Needless to say, the whole process can be exhausting.
There is one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re engaged with the moving process, and that is the location of the properties you are visiting. No matter how nice the house is, if the neighborhood isn’t the right fit for you, then you might regret the move you made. If you’re currently looking for a house for sale, take note of the locations you are visiting. In this article, we are going to list just a few of the signs to look out for when you think you have found the right property, and neighborhood too.
Signs of home improvements
If people are making an effort to care for their homes, then you know your neighbors have pride for where they live. Be on the lookout for home extensions, landscaped gardens, and any other home improvements that suggest your neighbors value the homes they are living in. Not only are these indicative of respectful and thoughtful people, but it’s also a sign that house prices in the area are unlikely to plummet. This can offer you peace of mind should you be buying a home as an investment property, or if you intend to move again in the future.
People appear to be happy
Should you see neighbors chatting over their fences, children laughing and playing in the streets, and people smiling as they walk around the neighborhood, then you can assume the place you are moving into is a friendly one. Not only is this good for you, but if you have children moving in with you, then they will benefit from the happy atmosphere that the neighborhood provides too.
#3: There are signs that the neighborhood is safe
If you notice neighborhood watch signs on people’s doors and windows, then you know that your neighbors are looking out for one another. When driving through the neighborhood at night, if you can see people sitting on their porches, walking their dogs, and taking a late-night stroll with their families, then you can also assume the neighborhood is safe to live in. Look out for evidence of graffiti and other forms of vandalism too. If you can’t spot any signs of such criminal activity, then you know the neighborhood is probably a safe and respectful one.
Your commute to work is doable
It might be that your workplace is within walking or driving distance, so that is one positive sign that the house you are considering is in the right location. Other positive signs include plenty of bus stops, a train line, and safe cycle paths to and from your place of work.
The amenities you want are nearby
Shopping malls, cinemas, parks, leisure centers… these are just a few of the amenities that might be of interest to you and your family. If they are within walking or cycling distance, or if there are sufficient bus routes to these places, then you know that the neighborhood could be right for you. And think of all of those other things that might form part of your checklist, such as churches, schools, doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, and other facilities that could play an important part in your life. If they aren’t too far away, then all signs are pointing towards a positive move.
Changes are being made
If new shopping centers are being built, new places of work opening up, and efforts being made to improve the look and functionality of the neighborhood, then you know that it’s a location worth moving into. When such economic developments happen, it’s because there is a public demand for them, so you know that you aren’t moving into a location that is neglected and rundown, and of little interest to today’s home buyers.
You like what you hear (or don’t hear)
If you’re looking to live within a bustling community, then the sound of people chatting to each other in the street could be something that appeals to you. On the flip side, if you’re looking to move into a location for the chance to receive some peace and quiet, then the fewer voices you hear, the better. Another sound to look out for is traffic. No matter what location you intend to move into, if you can barely notice the sound of cars, planes, and trains, then you know that noise and air pollution won’t be an issue. The fewer cars you hear will also indicate safety for yourself and your children.
School test scores are high
Finding the right school for your children is a must, as you want them to receive the very best education possible. So, consider the schools in the area you are considering moving into. Ring around them and ask them for the test scores they have received, or use sites such as https://www.greatschools.org/ to find out more. A quick glance at the websites of the local schools will also give you an idea, as they will be keen to show off their credentials to parents of their potential students.
When you have found the right location, you can guarantee that house prices will rise rather than fall, that your children will be safe and happy, and that you will enjoy living in the area for the long-term. So, don’t neglect this one important aspect of the house buying process. Add our suggestions to your checklist, and commit to research before signing on any dotted line.
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