KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY… Where do you want to live?

The house that you buy becomes your home, one of the largest investments your family will make. When considering all the options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the intellectual and emotional process. By being well informed, prior to your MLS search, you will be more focused and better aware of the common pitfalls many experience. You will also find it fun and exciting, and be thrilled with an enjoyable and satisfying journey.

This requires very important decision making. The right resources will include experts in a variety of fields who can help you with the process. Some things to consider before and when taking this step are considered below.

Do you want to live in the city, in the suburbs, a new subdivision, or an established neighbourhood?

Do you already love where you live? If so, this decision may be your easiest one. But if you are thinking of relocating, you need to visit the area by day and night, rush hour and weekend s to get a firsthand feel for the locale. Walk the area and greet people in the supermarket, on the sidewalk, and get a feel for the atmosphere. You’ll know if it’s a good fit or not.

Known what amenities the family will need close at hand and locate them to see if they fit with your needs. Is there a supermarket, pharmacy, mall, gas station, hardware store, recreational facilities, dry cleaners, restaurants, church or medical clinic close by? Or do you need these facilities within walking distance? Is there a sidewalk and are there safe crosswalks? Do you have family members you’d like to be close to? Do the homes and neighbourhood present safety and cleanliness, and do the homes look well cared for? These are just some of the questions to ask. You will have many more so write them all down and do your homework.

Schools may be of great importance, and School Boards can supply you with statistics that should identify which of them would meet your needs. You will want to consider what facilities, if there is a special focus of the school as some offer programs such as athletics or something in the arts that is to your liking. You can check on class sizes, extracurricular activities, staffing and what programs are offered by making appointments at schools you like and whittle down your choices and make the best decisions for your whole family.

All most of these important criteria can now easily be researched by using a reputable REALTOR®, or searching websites equipped with a new widget called WalkScore®. Here you will find all the amenities you find important, how far they are from your potential home, and it will give an overall walk-ability score.