How can you choose the right community? Become a neighborhood detective. Figure out what you’re looking for, do research and find a neighborhood that fits your description. You don’t even have to wear a trench coat — but it probably wouldn’t hurt.
1. Profile Your Perfect Neighborhood Before you start scrutinizing neighborhoods, turn the magnifying glass back on yourself. Think about what you’re really looking for in a new neighborhood. Remember, you’ll probably have to make compromises, so put the “must-haves” at the top and the “would- like-to-haves” at the bottom. Not sure what fits your lifestyle? Consider where you have been living and that is the kind of neighborhood to get you started.
2. Zero In On The Area If you’re moving within the same city, you may already know the various neighborhoods. Choose the ones that best match your list of wants. If you’re moving to a new city, you’ll have to do more research. Start by picking a part of town to search in. For instance, if your job is on the west side of town, start there. In a really large city, narrow it down to a few-block radius. This will make your search more focused.
3. Get The Statistics With your area of the city in mind, start digging up information. Find interesting neighborhoods on-line, ask local real estate agents for recommendations and compile all the background information you can, including: School information, Crime statistics, Parks and recreation, Neighborhood associations, and especially Tourist attractions.
4. Find The Clues Once you’ve done the background research, visit neighborhoods that made the preliminary grade in person. There’s no better way to paint a real picture of life in the neighborhood. Use your senses to get a complete picture of the prospective community. Use Sights, Sounds, and Smells.
5. Close the Case You’ve chosen your neighborhood. Now for the hard part: finding a house you love. Luckily, you’ve narrowed it down to a few streets. Go for it!
To learn more about the Ventura County neighborhoods, give me a call! I’d be happy to assist you with learning more about our area. I’m Teryn-down-the-road for you!
(This article is presented by Mary Johnson of First Rate Financial Group.)
