BUYERS' CORNER

Research Before Choosing A Neighborhood

The Internet can be a valuable tool for home buyers, and the benefit extends far beyond the ability to preview homes or to help locate a good Realtor®. Want to know more about your new neighborhood before you commit? There’s lots of valuable information on the Internet with websites covering such pertinent topics as:

Local weather
UV index
Air quality
School district ratings and test scores
Crime statistics
Employment data
Areas of highest appreciation
Local income & education levels
Earthquake and volcanic activity
Toxic waste sites
Tornadic activity

Reviewing such information could help avoid potential dangers, hazards, or other conditions that might impact your enjoyment or adversely affect property values and the potential to sell in the future.

Those who already live in an area are also a great source of information. Ask them about the neighborhood. Is it safe, quiet, and located far from potential hazards and undesirable operations? Answers to such questions could expose conditions that sellers would prefer to remain hidden, and it might prevent you from making an expensive mistake.

Here are four information-packed websites:
http://www.disastercenter.com
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
http://www.homes.org/homesProfile.aspx
http://realestate.yahoo.com/neighborhoods