About the neighborhood

6 THINGS TO INVESTIGATE ABOUT THE AREA WHERE YOUR SOON-TO-BE HOME IS LOCATED

Location makes all the difference in homebuying. School districts, water quality and neighborhood walkability are all factors tied to location. Moreover, access to convenient shopping, entertainment and health care can matter more than you’d think.

Here are a few of the most common qualityof-life issues homebuyers seek out and how to investigate them.

1. Make well-being a priority

Air and water purity, pollution and noise all factor into one’s sense of physical and mental well-being. Not investigating a potential home’s neighborhood for these factors can result in dissatisfaction and lower quality of life while living at a home you’d intended to inhabit for many years to come.

2. Access to fresh food

Another key factor to consider: How far away is the nearest grocery store? A significant portion of Americans don’t live within walking distance of a supermarket in so-called food deserts.

3. Look over the crime blotter

It’s also important to take a look at the safety and security of the area. Will you feel comfortable allowing your children to play in the yard? Is there a high risk for vandalism? How would you feel walking to your car at night?

It’s often possible to find a great deal on a home in an up-and-coming area. “But if you’re not comfortable in your home during the time that the community takes to ‘come up,’ then it’s not worth the savings,” San Diego real estate agent Jason Cassity points out.

4. Find some green space

Whether your dream home is in a crowded city or tiny town, sometimes you just need to get out of the house and sit on a patch of grass.

Finding the nearest park or public playground is an especially important consideration for families with young children.

5. Check out health care

Be sure to identify nearby health care providers when doing your research. Not only do you want a hospital close by in case of an emergency, but having a general practitioner, dentist and other medical facilities in the neighborhood can be very convenient.

6. Ask for advice

Consulting with an experienced real estate agent can give you fresh insights, from community awareness to a vision for the future of your potential neighborhood.

“A good real estate agent can really add value,” Cassity says.

A good mix of investigation online, in person and via a knowledgeable real estate agent will ensure that you feel confident about your decision when you make an offer on a property.