Tips
If you love a neighborhood, but can't afford the houses, think about a condo
or townhouse in that area.
Look for neighborhoods right on the edge of more expensive and highly sought after
areas. These areas sometimes experience faster appreciation than more established
neighborhoods.
Once you know what price range you are looking in, the next step is to choose
an area in which to buy. Whether you are looking at houses with a real estate agent or on your
own, you will need to choose some neighborhoods to concentrate on.
But statistics don't tell the whole story. Drive and walk around the
neighborhoods, talk to neighbors and merchants and visit the schools. To find out about future
plans for the area, visit the local planning commission. Test your commute by driving or taking
public transportation to and from work during rush hour.
Make a list of what is most important to you - schools, crime, proximity to
work, trees, views, age of housing, etc. Assess neighborhoods with an eye toward balancing your
priorities and important resale factors.