| Location impacts everything, because where you live | | | | these things into consideration. That way, you'll know |
| determines how you live. And that means everything | | | | the "real" cost of the home and you can prepare to |
| from what kind of education your children get. To how | | | | handle it, financially. |
| much you'll pay in taxes. To how safe you'll feel living | | | | Sidewalks, streets, greenbelts, parks, community |
| there-and much, much more. | | | | clubhouses and pools-think of them as part of a house. |
| A nice house can't make up for a bad school. | | | | Not all neighborhoods have amenities like these. Make |
| Your children's futures are very important, and a good | | | | it a point to notice if the ones you're looking at do. |
| education in a good school can really make a | | | | Without sidewalks, for instance, your children may |
| difference in helping them fulfill their potentials and their | | | | have to walk on the streets if they want to go to a |
| dreams. | | | | neighbor's house. So think hard about whether you |
| So educate yourself about schools where you're | | | | would mind living in an area that does not provide |
| thinking about living. You'll discover that different | | | | pedestrian walkways, recreational areas, and |
| cities-and different neighborhoods within those | | | | community facilities. And keep in mind that amenities |
| cities-frequently offer a variety of schooling options. | | | | like this also tend to improve the re-sale values of |
| Another thing-don't just go entirely by the reputation of | | | | homes in the neighborhood. So they're part of your |
| a school or a school district. Visit the schools your | | | | investment in your home. |
| children would attend while the schools are in session, | | | | Did you know that many subdivisions and |
| since almost any school can look pleasant when it's | | | | neighborhoods have what developers call "street |
| empty! Also, try to attend a local PTA meeting as you | | | | patterns"? |
| narrow your search for an acceptable neighborhood. | | | | When a new subdivision is first being planned and |
| This will give you a feeling for the kind of education | | | | designed, the streets are laid out to achieve certain |
| that your children will receive, you'll find out if their | | | | results. One of these patterns is called The Curvilinear, |
| educational priorities and values match yours, and you'll | | | | and it creates a neighborhood traffic flow that |
| even get to meet some of the families that might be | | | | discourages people driving straight-through in one end |
| your neighbors. | | | | and out the other. This pattern slows cars down, so it |
| Zoning regulations can help you or haunt you. Find out | | | | adds safety. Another pattern is called The Loop, and it |
| what they are before you buy. | | | | provides a street that is the only exit and entrance for |
| A home is obviously a major investment. And a | | | | the neighborhood. This is a clear advantage when it |
| change in residential land near your home could have a | | | | comes to forming a Neighborhood Crime Watch. |
| dramatic impact on the value of your investment, in | | | | If you decide to sell your home later, will the |
| terms of opportunities and limitations. | | | | neighborhood you've invested in pay off? |
| An example? That beautiful grove of trees behind | | | | Before you buy, check into market prices of homes in |
| your property might look great when you move in. But | | | | the area-especially any that are similar to the one |
| it could soon be removed for a new shopping center. | | | | you're looking at. Real estate agents may not have this |
| That's why you should study zoning restrictions and | | | | information, but most real estate boards or brokers do. |
| deed restrictions carefully before you buy. Another | | | | If they seem reluctant to give you this information, you |
| thing to keep in mind is that a neighborhood with good | | | | should definitely speak to someone at a local title |
| restrictions is usually a better investment than a | | | | insurance company. It's very important. |
| neighborhood with few or no restrictions. | | | | Think a lot-about the lot. |
| For instance, can residents park boats and large RV | | | | Is the lot is big enough to "fit" you and your family? Do |
| campers on the street? Are trucks permitted free | | | | you want a large front or backyard? Is there enough |
| access and parking rights? Not only do these things | | | | room if you want to add a swimming pool? Is there |
| affect the visual appeal of the neighborhood, they | | | | enough space for children to play? And will a lack of a |
| might be dangerous to your children when they are | | | | spacious lot make it harder to sell your house later? |
| playing. | | | | These are all questions you should answer before |
| Get a grip on reality. Look into all the potential long-term | | | | buying a home. |
| costs. | | | | Lakes are nice. But not when they're in your home! |
| Ask about taxes. Get the rates for school and | | | | How well a neighborhood's drainage system has been |
| property taxes for the previous 3 to 5 years. Not all | | | | designed is really important in the Valley. That's |
| neighborhoods have identical tax rates; that's because | | | | because the climate and the flat coastal plains can |
| land values and other variables are involved. And | | | | combine to turn a poorly designed neighborhood into a |
| remember that your mortgage payment is not the only | | | | lake in just a few hours. Check to see if the |
| long-range cost in home ownership. There's insurance. | | | | neighborhood you're looking at has been planned with |
| Maintenance (including energy and water bills). And | | | | lowered streets and careful grading of all surface |
| possibly even membership fees in a homeowners | | | | areas, so that water is directed away from the |
| association, too. The smart homebuyer will take all | | | | houses. |