Learn & Earn / Due Diligence / Next Topic
Walking the Neighborhood Something as simple as walking the neighborhood seems like a no-brainer when it comes to doing some basic research on a new home but many people feel uncomfortable about it. But there is no better way to really get the feel of the place. You should probably limit yourself to three neighborhoods in one day as it is hard to remember the differences if you look at too many. If people are out walking dogs, raking leaves, shoveling snow or tending their spring and summer gardens, give them a friendly hello and ask them how they like the neighborhood. Most people will be happy to tell you the area. Sometimes they will tell you the bad stuff, like the neighborhood who is too noisy. Review the neighborhood for these characteristics:
- Are the yards well landscaped and tended or are they sloppy?
- What is the mix of the neighborhood - children, old people, young couples: how will you fit in?
- Where do the children play, if there are children. Are parks nearby? Do kids play in the street?
- Listen for traffic noise. How close are major highways? Is the street a cut-through? Speeders?
- What about commerical businesses. How close are they? Do you want a corner grocer? Is there a big mall in the backyard?
- Check for noise pollution from other sources than traffic. Airport, railroad, loud music, industry, public transportation?
- How close is public transportation, if you need it?
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