You’ve found your house in what appears to be the perfect neighborhood. What now?
Before, during or immediately after your realtor writes the purchase contract, you should make it your business to check out the neighborhood. The best way to do this is to go there in the early evening or on the weekend. That’s when most people, adults and children, are home and/or outside.
If you like what you see, stroll around and talk to the neighbors. Don’t be afraid to knock on doors. You’ll be amazed at the kind of information you can gather–information you probably won’t get from a realtor. I should know, I am one!
It’s not that we’re trying to hide things. Most of the time, we’re not aware of the specific details you want to know. Further, people are more apt to talk to you than to us, the sales people.
If you are happy with what you see and hear, let’s move to the next level!
Things to avoid when it comes to location…
You’ll want to avoid homes that are located by:
- busy streets
- secluded locations
- alleys
- commercial buildings
- apartment complexes with multi stories
- empty lots
- parks
- shopping centers
- mountain preserves
- neighborhood convenience stores
- any gathering place open late into the night
- An attached garage with an electric door opener
If you drive home after dark, it’s a good idea to close the door behind you as you enter the garage. - A security system
Need I say more? - A front door with good visibility from the street
You don’t want them to have any place to hide. - Good outside lighting
This is including, but not limited to, motion lights and lights on timers. - Window coverings that insure privacy
Yes, there are still peeping Toms out there! - Door peephole
Never open the door unless you know who’s knocking. - Good locks on doors and windows
Remember, you should have all locks changed when you move in to a pre-owned residence. - Check your smoke alarms to make sure they’re working.
If you don’t have any, get them. If the home has gas service, get a carbon monoxide detector. They are not very expensive and they’ve saved many lives. - Get to know your neighbors
It’s great to have someone looking out for your property when you’re not around. Remember to be a good neighbor as well!
What’s your best safety tip? Add it to the discussion below!
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Do not hide your light so that others won't feel insecure around you. And as you let your light shine, you unconsciously give others the right to do the same.
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Hey Vibrant Nation, thank you for running this. Perfect timing. With prices so low and great interest rates it is the perfect time to buy. Not so good for selling, guess what I’m doing? SELLING!!!