Every year at this time the same dilemma haunts first time buyers. When they start looking they just don't know what neighborhood they want to live in. It's an important decision.
It isn't only about the area they want to live in. There are many factors to consider. Proximity to work, school systems or where their friends and family live and play. The cost of housing and housing styles are different in each neighborhood. Sometimes I have buyers who want to buy a very inexpensive home in an upscale neighborhood.
The first thing we do when I meet a buyer is determine their affordability and financial comfort level. Then we discuss their wants and needs including location and decide why they want certain neighborhoods.
We usually start at the low end of their price range and if nothing fits we have decided to bump the price up a few notches. Usually, depending the buyers starting point, a five to ten thousand dollar increase will take us to different neighborhoods that will better fit their overall comfort level.There are certain buyers who want to buy a newer house in one of the older, downtown neighborhoods. Or those who what a very small or practically no yard in the suburbs.
There are two ways of going about it when it comes to housing style. A buyer can pick a housing style and figure out which neighborhoods have that type of housing. A quick search on the MLS or driving through a neighborhood is an easy way to see which type of housing is available. The other way is to decide which neighborhood and find a home that is available in that neighborhood.
As a Realtor it is illegal for me to recommend a neighborhood. Buyers don't understand that and some don't like it. Many ask this question. "Is this neighborhood or is that a good neighborhood". Even if I could answer that question...what is a good neighborhood is up to interpretation.
On my website I have a couple of links CITY OVERVIEW and COMMUNITY INFO/LINKS that have the website for all the major cities and suburbs in and around Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. I also have Schools information available for you compare different school districts.
Friends and Family can be very helpful by recommending neighborhoods. It is a good idea to get out of the car and walk through the neighborhoods at various times of the day or week to really learn what it is like. Meet the neighbors, those who have been living there for some time. I have found these folks to be very forthcoming about the good and the not so good aspects of their neighborhood. If you are concerned about crime statistics you are always welcome to call the local police department. They will give you the lowdown of any neighborhood.
There is some much to consider about choosing your neighborhood...to much to write about in this post. Feel free to call me anytime and I will be happy to help you find your favorite neighborhood. The choice is always yours.
God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil. Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com. Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.
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