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Ten Steps to Buying A Home

4. Research Neighborhood Information

There is a well-known mantra in real estate- "Location, Location, Location". People don't just buy a house, they buy the neighborhood the house is in. There are many factors to consider when making one of the largest purchases in your lifetime. You'll need to consider your own personal needs as well as the future value of your home. When it comes time for you to eventually sell your property, you do not want to be in a position where your investment has depreciated!

• This stage is where you should seek out a real estate agent to help you! Agents have access to a plethora of market information that you may not be able to access. An agent can also point out how to obtain neighborhood information from various websites, Chambers, etc. For example:
• You may have found the perfect house, but What have Comparable Homes Sold For in the neighborhood? Is this "perfect house" priced too high or even low?
• Do you know of the future highways, retail or commercial developments planned?
• Who owns all the land around the neighborhood and how is it Zoned?
• What about Homeowners dues or neighborhood assessments that could significantly raise your dues?
• Is the community on city water and sewer, wells or septic?
• Are there any nearby water treatment plants, potential hazardous waste sites, noise or light pollution?
• Is the community in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Tax area, or outside the district?
• What are the tax differences in South Carolina?
• How long will my commute to work be? What is traffic like at all times of the day?
• What are the assigned public schools for the neighborhood and how are they rated? Where is the bus stop? How long will my child be commuting to school on a school bus? Are there private schools nearby?
• What kind of amenities are offered in the neighborhood? Will these amenities (or lack of) affect my quality of life or the future value of the home?
  
  You will need to make a list of what type of neighborhood you want to live in.
  
  Your agent can save you time and money by taking the information from your list of needs and wants for your home AND the neighborhood, your preapproval, and incorporating them into a search profile narrowed down to specific areas dictated by the market in which you will be looking. Your agent's experience in the local market will be an invaluable resource during this step.
  

We can help you find an agent that fits your unique personality and needs. Please complete our simple Associate Request form and we'll get back to you by email or phone (your preference).