Nothing is more frustrating than finding a wonderful house and then realizing that the neighborhood is not as great. Everyone has heard the
expression, “location, location, location,” and it’s one of the main reasons homeowners say they love their home. Yes, the chef’s kitchen is a nice feature, but if there are rules that are deal breakers in the HOA, the excitement fades quickly. Here are Six Questions to ask yourself that will help you find the right community:
1. Is there pride of ownership? Observing the community – the streets, the parks, the neighborhood yards – can tell you a lot about the location. Is there pride of ownership?
2. Is convenience important to you? Do you want to live close to highways, shopping, medical facilities, or schools? Do you prefer a more rural location with a slower pace? Carefully consider the lifestyle you want as part of the community analysis.
3. Are home values rising or falling? While the overall market will impact all communities, pay special attention to housing values and if they are declining, understand why.
4. Does the community have an HOA? Some people love HOAs for maintaining the community’s appearance while others do not want the restrictions they bring.
5. How are the schools rated? Regardless of whether you have school-aged children, the quality of the schools can affect property values, positively or negatively.
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