Inland Empire Real Estate
Serving Home Buyers and Sellers in the Cities of
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Step 2: Select Neighborhoods Where You Want to Live
You’ve gotten pre-approved for a home loan with monthly payments to fit your budget. The next step is to identify the neighborhoods where you feel at home, and that have features important to you.
Listingbook can show you homes available in an area, sale prices of comparable houses, community features and demographics, and can help you determine which locations you want to explore in your car and on foot. As incredible as online home search services are, none can give you a feel for an area and the people who live there – people who will become your neighbors if you buy a house.
When you see “For Sale” signs in neighborhoods you like, look at the exterior, and if you like what you see, call me. You’re ready for Step 3!
Drive – and walk – an area at different times of the day and night. Some things to look for:
· Are the homes well maintained, the yards nicely landscaped, the grass mowed?
· Would visitors be able to park on the street?
· How much traffic travels through the neighborhood – and at what speed?
· Where are the nearest supermarkets, dry cleaners, gas stations, library, gym, shopping centers, sports arenas, etc.?
· How far must you drive to work? What routes would you take? Where would you go to take the bus, or the train? If you carpool, where is the nearest lot?
· Where are the city hall and community centers?
Use the links on our website to:
· Find nearby schools (even if you don’t have children) and see how they compare to schools in other neighborhoods you are considering.
· See the “Walkability” score for the neighborhood – and create your own score.
· Locate parks, sports fields, gyms. Is the area close to a bike path?
· Look up crime statistics and Megan’s Law database of sex offenders, watch for signs of vandalism or gang activity.
· See what city recreation and education programs, or volunteer opportunities are offered.
Step 3: Take a Closer Look
Schedule an Appointment
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