Neighbourhood Factors

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighbourhood that is right for you. Neighbourhoods have characteristic personalities designed to suit certain people, such as single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees.

You can always make changes to your house but you can never change its location. Most home Buyers will already have a good idea of where they would like to live based on school districts, work or other factors. However, it is important to do your research and scout of a few neighbourhoods before making a decision.

Carefully examine how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition. Pay attention to area amenities and how well the common areas are kept.

Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping. Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc. Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture. Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area. Research things like soil and water. Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.

After you have picked your favourite neighbourhoods, and you know your “must haves” and “wants,” you can make a list of every home available that meets your criteria, and view those homes.