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. “Maybe the house is near a sewage plant or waste dump. Maybe it’s too close to a freeway or airport. Or maybe the neighborhood feels just a little too gritty,” says Ericson (Realtor.com). “Or maybe the location is great now, but is in the path of future freeways, neighborhood expansions, or a new shopping mall.” Do some research about the future zoning plans for your neighborhood. And take a cold, hard, critical look at the neighborhood, without factoring in your emotions about the home itself. Remember, you can often fix up a home, but you generally can’t fix a neighborhood.
149
Powered by FlippingBook