Experts share advice on determining your perfect neighborhood fit.
The wrong neighborhood can be a deal breaker, even for an otherwise perfect-seeming home.
But what constitutes the right neighborhood is entirely personal.
Credit:Getty Images / Alexander Spatari
We spoke with experts to get their advice on determining your perfect neighborhood fit.
Research Online
Focus your search on the things that are most important to you.
Louisiana Realtor Erin Hybart of ReErin recommends scanning discussions on Facebook and Nextdoor neighborhood groups.
What are people talking about?
Is it community events or constant issues like crime andHOA complaints?
These insights can reveal a lot about daily life in the area, she says.
Its a skill that can only stem from deep market knowledge and superior listening ability.
Those qualities should top your list of agent must-haves, along with clear communication and high client ratings.
Test the commute on a rainy Wednesday when traffic is worst.
Take walks during the day and after dark, with your dog if you have one.
Go to community spaces and gatherings.
Both were amazing, but you have to try it out for yourself to know what you prefer.
Speed-Date Neighborhoods
I call it the fast and furious tour, Smith says.
I take people out on day one and look at 10 or so homes in two hours.
He plans the exercise across neighborhoods andhome stylesand listens to buyers' impressions.
It helps us all come to an understanding of what they’re going after, he says.
There’s nothing that replaces the human experience, literally going places with people and feeling it with them.
She recommends asking questions within Facebook or NextDoor neighborhood groups, and engaging in real-life back-and-forth as well.
Harbuck adds open houses to the list.
Rank Your Top Amenities
Lets be honestchances are youll end up sacrificing something.
Write down your top 10 or so desired neighborhood amenities on separate note cards.
Pit one against the other, putting the winner at the top of your ladder.
Repeat until youve prioritized all.
Sure, things could change, as the inevitable give and take happens.
But the latter gives you insight into your current priorities to help kick off your search.
This means that it increases your property’s resale value.
Investigate on GreatSchools or Niche.
Stay married to your budget, of course, and explore (dont ignore) any nagging doubts.
But in the end, trust your intuition.
