Choose the Right Neighborhood

Many things are factored in when searching for a new home. One of the most important things people look for is the neighborhood quality in which their prospect property sits. Here are a few things to think about when choosing the right area to purchase:

• Is the neighborhood safe? Understanding the quality of life within your potential residential area is important, especially when children are involved. A great resource to learn about neighborhood crime levels is http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/. Another good idea is to call the local police department and inquire about the crime rate in that area. Be sure to drive through the neighborhood at night to also get a feel for its safety at all times.
• How are the schools? If you have children or are planning to have children, this is a very important question. If you go to http://www.greatschools.org/ and plug in the neighborhood zip code, a variety of different schools will come up with community ratings. There is also an option on this site to look at properties for sale in each school district.
• Do the current neighborhood occupants care? Not only is the neighborhood important but so are the people who reside in it. Take a look at your possible new neighbor's properties. Are their lawns well maintained? Are their homes up kept? Are there signs of other children in the neighborhood?
• Does your desired property fall within the guidelines of your financing? Certain loan programs require that the property be within a designated area. The USDA 100 percent financing loan program requires that the property is considered in a "rural" area. Even so, a person could be surprised what is actually considered to be "rural" in some instances.

To learn more about these topics as well as the 100 percent USDA financing, call Aapex at 704-892-5211.