Let Christmas lights guide your way

If you’re anything like me, when it gets close to Christmas, you love to drive around and see some Christmas lights. It really helps to put you in the Christmas spirit. For me, I am always drawn to one specific neighborhood. They light entrance with luminaries, and it really gives an ethereal feel which puts me right in the Christmas mood. But that feeling can serve much more than putting you in the Christmas mood, it can help you decide what community is perfect for you.

Everyone in real estate knows that you can have the perfect home, but the neighbors can still ruin your experience. That’s one of the nice things you can figure out around the Holidays. You may not want to be living right next to the guy who has flashing lights all night long, and is blasting his favorite holiday tunes. But you may find the community lit by luminaries offers the peaceful respite that goes perfectly with you relaxing winter nights by the fire.

So, if you haven’t gone out and looked for the Christmas lights, don’t hesitate. Get out there. If you are into the latest Pentatonix Christmas music, put it on and go for a drive. If you’re more of an old soul, maybe put on your Bing Crosby CD, and belt out the music (nobody is listening anyway, so enjoy it.)

Now, with everybody having distinctive tastes in their Christmas music, everyone will have distinctive tastes in light-

ing displays. So here are some basic archetypes for neighborhoods, that will guide you in choosing the perfect one for you.

The ‘No Lights’ Neighborhood

Before people get mad at me for pointing out these neighborhoods, it could just be that they do not particularly enjoy the holidays. However, more than likely, people in these homes are just super duper busy. When you are working long hours, then picking kids up from soccer, it can be difficult to find the time to keep up with some of the ostentatious Christmas displays that you see out in the neighborhoods. So, I wouldn’t be too quick to rush to judgment. However, just know that your neighbors will not likely be the ones wanting to talk with you often. For introverts, this may be the perfect one.

The Elegant Displays

Now like the neighborhood lit by luminaries, there are very elegant displays of Christmas lights. They are gorgeous to look at, but it’s not terribly likely that your neighbors are putting this display together. More likely, these communities pay for this through a Home Owners Association (HOA). Nevertheless, you can tell this, that most of the home owners are happy to pay for the display. If not, they could petition the HOA to change how they spend money. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the crazy days, these may be good for you.

The Christmas Feeling

These neighborhoods are the really bright ones! If you’re super extraverted, these may be the ones that you like the most. Your neighbors will most likely be much more chatty and social. For those who don’t have a lot of family, this may be the best place for you during the holidays. It’s cheery, warm, and social. The introverts might be a little bit overwhelmed here. However, if you want to go caroling, this will be your biggest fan.

So, if you’re looking to find a place where you will fit in best, let Christmas lights guide your way. Get out there, embrace the season, and find the perfect neighborhood for you. Happy Holidays.

Maureen Hughes is the Lead Listing Specialist of The Wayne Megill Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Brandywine Valley in West Chester. For buyer or seller representation, or for more perspective on the local and national real estate market, please email maureenhughes@kw.com and visit The Wayne Megill Team site at www. waynemegillteam.com