Are you moving into a new area you are not as familiar with? Or are you moving to a new state altogether?
We always recommend meeting neighbors, when available, before investing in an area to ensure your expectations are in alignment with the overall decision.
Drive by on a weekend daytime while they are out working in the yard. Drive through in the evenings when they are home getting the mail. Stop by in the middle of the day for a walk around the neighborhood and see who might be outside walking too. Knock on the door to the two houses on each side of the home you are considering buying – in addition to the one right across the street and see who is home.
Here are six questions we recommend asking your potential neighbors:
1. How long have you lived here?
Long term owners can indicate a pleasant place to live and potentially deep rooted relationships with other neighbors.
2. Do the neighbors on this street get along?
This question can shine light into any major concerns or help give an idea of the overall neighborhood feel.
3. What do you like best about the neighborhood?
This is one of my favorite questions! You can learn a lot about neighborhood gatherings or traditions, or even find out something you may have not otherwise known.
4. What do you like least about the neighborhood?
Another very important question! While this can get sticky, it is helpful to know this information in advance so you can make sure your purchase decision is in alignment with your lifestyle expectations as well.
5. If you could change one thing about living here, what would it be?
Hopefully they say “we’d like to have YOU as our next door neighbor. 😉 This can shine light into any ongoing concerns or issues (even if it is just snow plowing delays or etc.)
6. Have you ever noticed anything about this house that you think we should know about before buying it?
My second favorite question! There is a lot you quickly learn when moving into a new area so getting a taste of some of those things ahead of time can be very helpful…sometimes it can even change your purchase decision.
If you are able to ask more questions and the following apply, maybe also consider these questions:
- How are the schools in the area? (Getting candid feedback from residents can be helpful in deciding which school district/school to select)
- Is this a convenient location for running general errands? (You may find out some of your favorite places are closer than you thought!)
- Where is your favorite place to walk from here? (You can learn more about neighborhood walkability)
- Are there any neighborhood events throughout the year? (These may or may not be important to you.)
- How is the traffic through the neighborhood streets? (Maybe you are looking at a house on a speedway…)
- What are some of the restrictions in this neighborhood (if any)? (This question may inform you about critical information like no overnight street parking, or no more than two dogs, or etc.)
- And there are soooooooooo many more!
There are tons of options of getting a good feel for a neighborhood you are seriously considering!
