9. YOU’RE NOT A FAN OF THE NEIGHBORS/NEIGHBORHOOD
This has less to do with the property itself, and more to do with what comes with it — the neighbors and the surrounding area. If you’re going to move, you have to consider the area you’ll be in, and the people who are nearby. After all, you’ll be there for quite some time, whether it’s two years, five years, or ten —neighbors and neighborhood matter, and will significantly impact your quality of life. First, let’s tackle the neighbors. Maybe they’re loud, partying all night, almost every night, with plenty of guests and loud music. Or maybe they have multiple pets that cause disruptions — such as stray cats that wander into your yard and garden, or dogs that bark and howl seemingly non-stop. Or maybe they’re just strange, and indulge in strange hobbies. Whatever the case, “those terrible neighbors could not only make your life miserable, they could also affect resale value if and when you decide to move,” says Evan Harris, co-founder and CEO of SD Equity Partners (San Diego, CA). But how do you know what your potential neighbors will be like? One tip is to visit the house you’d like to buy at different days and times of day. This way, says Harris, “you’ll know if you’ll need earplugs to deal with a next-door band practice on Tuesday nights.” Now, moving on to the neighborhood itself. “Location, location, location” is a real estate saying that everyone seems to know, but it really does apply here. It’s very easy to fall in love with a home, but then ignore the surrounding area, and dismiss any concerns you might have with the location.
143
Powered by FlippingBook