When you're looking at homes for sale, you have to consider more than the house itself. You don't want to fall in love with a particular home if it is in a bad neighborhood or located next to messy neighbors. Here are some things to look for besides the condition of the home that should play a factor in your buying decision.
Condition Of The Neighborhood
Before you start looking at homes, you should research neighborhoods so you know which ones to avoid for safety reasons. However, even safe neighborhoods have areas with problems. You'll want to notice how easy it is to navigate the streets as you drive to the home. Are the streets narrow and lined with cars? Are other homes in the neighborhood well-maintained? Also, look for kids playing in yards and people out walking their dogs, which could indicate people who live in the neighborhood feel safe.
Tidiness Of Neighbors
Take a moment to look over the neighbors' properties. You may not want to move next to the messiest lot in the neighborhood. You may want to be suspicious of homes with overgrown vegetation and with clutter in the yard. The people living there may be nice enough, but if they don't take care of their home, you might have problems with rodents or other pests. Plus, you may have to look at an eyesore every time you leave your house.
Condition Of The Lot For Sale
Although the house is the most important part of the real estate since you'll spend most of your time inside it, you don't want to overlook the condition of the lot. Landscaping a lot is a big investment that will add to your overall cost. You may prefer to buy property that has a well-manicured lawn and mature landscaping rather than start from scratch. Also, check the condition of the fence to see if it needs to be replaced soon. Look for signs of tree damage or illness that signals you may need to have one or more trees removed in the future. Consider if there is room for a shed and pool if you want them.
By the time you look over the neighborhood and the lot of the home you plan to tour, you may have made up your mind whether you want to live in the home, even if the house is perfect for you. You can do a lot to improve a house and the lot it sits on, but you can't do much about the neighborhood, and you can't control your neighbors. That's why it's important to look at more than just the home when you're out house hunting. For more information, contact companies like Mckee Kubasko Group Real Estate.
