It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. Talk to people who live there. Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week, and on weekends. Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained—are they painted; are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition?

Neighborhood Factors to Consider

• Look for things such as access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.
• Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.
• Smell the air for nearby industry or agriculture.
• Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.
• Research environmental topics such as soil and water quality, as well as floodplain implications.
• Study traffic patterns around the area at different times of the day and measure drive time from the area to work.
• Is the neighborhood near parks, places of religious worship, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.?
• Does the neighborhood have a Homeowner’s Association?

Which of the following are important
to you in this home purchase?

Community Services
Child-care services available
Park District facilities
Churches
High-Quality Healthcare
Internet
Services

Convenience
Close to present or future jobs
Near grocery or other stores
Parks/Play areas
Easy Interstate access
Schools

What Are You Looking For?
#Of Bedrooms
#Of Baths
Basement? Finished or not Finished
Garage: How big?
What area are you looking to move to?
Size of Lot: Small- Medium-Large-Acreage

I am here to answer all your Real Estate questions… Until next time, Jeannie.