Commute: Do I need a quick commute to work? Keep in mind short commutes limit your neighborhood options.
My personality: Do I prefer country, suburban or urban living?
Family: Is a certain school district important to me? Do I need to live near my elderly parents?
Downtime: Do I want to live close to my church or temple or have a short commute to night school?
Future zoning and development: Is the park behind my house going to be developed in the future? Does this small town have plans to build a mega-shopping mall?
Neighborhood age: What will a new neighborhood look like in 10 years? Am I satisfied with an older neighborhood, knowing it may not change much?
Time of day: Does the neighborhood feel the same at night as it does during the day? Is weekend traffic heavier than during the weekday?
Extra costs: Can I afford the county or city taxes or any homeowners' association fees?
Homeowners' Associations: What are the homeowners' association rules? Are they good for protecting home values?
Neighborhood investment: Have the homes in this neighborhood held or increased in value?
I've helped many home buyers organize their neighborhood requirements based on my knowledge of the local area. Feel free to call me at your convenience for a no obligations conversation about your new home goals.
Gerard Scheffler www.chicagolandhomegallery.com 773 909-3346
