Baird & Warner Naperville
bill@billwhitehomes.com

Category: New Homeowner

Feb
20

Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices?

The recent changes in home prices are top of mind for many as the housing market begins gearing up for spring. It can be hard to navigate misleading headlines and confusing data, so here’s what you should know about today’s home prices.

Local price trends still vary by market. But looking at national data, Nataliya Polkovnichenko, Ph.D., Supervisory Economist at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), explains:

“U.S. house prices were largely unchanged in the last four months and remained near the peak levels reached over the summer of 2022. While higher mortgage rates have suppressed demand, low inventories of homes for sale have helped maintain relatively flat house prices.”

Month-over-month home price changes can be seen in the chart below. The data also shows that price depreciation peaked around August. Since then, any depreciation has been even milder. In other words, today’s home prices aren’t in a freefall.

Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices? | Simplifying The Market

What Does This Mean for You?
If you currently own your house, you may be concerned about even the smallest decline in prices. But keep in mind how much home values grew over the last few years. Compared to that growth, any declines we’re seeing nationally are likely to be minimal. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, shares:

“. . . while prices continued to fall from November, the rate of decline was lower than that seen in the summer and still adds up to only a 3% cumulative drop in prices since last spring’s peak.”

It’s also important to remember that every local market is different. That’s why it’s essential to lean on an expert for the latest information on the home prices in your area if you’re planning to make a move this spring.

Bottom Line
To understand what’s going on with home prices in your market and how they could impact your goals, contact us today!

Jan
26

Why it makes sense to move before spring

Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to buy a home, here’s why it makes sense to move before the spring market picks up.

Spring Should Bring a Wave of Buyers to the Market
In most years, the housing market goes through predictable seasonal trends in activity. Winter is typically a quiet point in the year, while spring sees a surge of buyers begin their search. And experts project that this year will be no exception.

Right now, buyer demand is low due to a combination of normal seasonal trends and a reaction to last year’s rise in mortgage rates. But rates have started to come down since last November, which has more and more potential buyers planning to jump into the market. That means right now is a sweet spot if you’re in a good position to buy, before more buyers reappear. Affordability is beginning to improve, but demand is still low — for now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shares:

“. . . expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.”

If you’re ready to buy a home, right now is the best time to do so before your competition grows and more buyers enter the market.

Today’s Sellers Are Motivated
Low demand from buyers often means sellers are more motivated to work with you, and that can set you up to buy a home on your terms. In fact, sellers have been more willing to negotiate this winter because there are fewer buyers in the market. According to a recent article from Forbes:

“. . . sellers gave concessions to buyers in 41.9% of home sales in the fourth quarter of last year.”

But keep in mind, the advantages buyers have this winter won’t last forever. The competition you face could be greater if you wait until spring to make a move, and increased buyer demand means sellers will have less motivation to negotiate with you. Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to learn what you can expect in your local market right now.

Bottom Line
If you’re in a position to buy a home, it may make sense to move before spring. Working with your team of expert real estate advisors is the best way to learn about the current market and what it means for you. Connect with a professional today to determine the best plan to achieve your homebuying goals.

Jan
21

Preapproval in 2023…what you need to know

One of the first steps in your home-buying journey is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to understand what pre-approval is and what it does for you. Business Insider explains:

“In a preapproval [sic], the lender tells you which types of loans you may be eligible to take out, how much you may be approved to borrow, and what your rate could be.”

Basically, pre-approval gives you critical information about the home-buying process that’ll help you understand your options and what you may be able to borrow.

How does it work? As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will look at your finances to determine what they’d be willing to loan you. From there, your lender will give you a pre-approval letter to help you understand how much money you can borrow. That can make it easier when you set out to search for homes because you’ll know your overall numbers. And with higher mortgage rates impacting affordability for many buyers today, a solid understanding of your numbers is even more important.

Pre-Approval Helps Show You’re a Serious Buyer
Another added benefit is pre-approval can help a seller feel more confident in your offer because it shows you’re serious about buying their house. A recent article from Forbes notes:

“From the seller’s perspective, a preapproval [sic] letter from a reputable local lender often can make the difference between accepting and rejecting an offer.”

This goes to show, even though you may not face the intense bidding wars you saw if you tried to buy during the pandemic, pre-approval is still an important part of making a strong offer. In fact, Christy Bieber, Personal Finance Writer at The Motley Fool explains it may be the most important part of making an offer:

“Pre-approval maximizes the chances you’ll be able to actually close the deal – and sellers want to see that.

The fact that a pre-approval gives you a better chance of getting your offer accepted is undoubtedly the most important reason to complete this step . . .”

Bottom Line
Getting pre-approved is an important first step toward buying a home. It lets you know what you can borrow and shows sellers you’re serious about purchasing their home. Connect with a local real estate professional and a trusted lender so you have the tools you need to purchase a home in today’s market.

Oct
24

Mistakes to Avoid During Your Home Inspection

Before buying a home, you need to make sure it’s not going to fall apart days after you move in. The first way to do this is to walk through a potential home. The most reliable method, however, is to have a home inspection. After all, a walkthrough can be quick and unreliable, while bringing in a professional is trustworthy. However, there are some mistakes you can make even when it comes to home inspections. And when it comes to making sure a potential home is safe, you need to be specific. So, to help you out, we’ve put together a list of mistakes to avoid during your home inspection, and we hope you find it helpful.

Not looking into the inspector

One of the mistakes to avoid during your home inspection is neglecting to research your inspector before hiring them. Just like with any profession, some inspectors are much worse than others. That can be due to a lack of experience or the wrong inspector. Either way, you shouldn’t take any chances regarding your and your home’s safety. Take the time to look into your inspector’s work experience; check if there were problems or complaints about their work. If you spot a few too many issues, you should probably consider a different home inspector. Remember, this is something you shouldn’t take any risks with, so be thorough. Additionally, when it comes to the home itself, you should look into how to know you’ve found your dream house. After all, that’s not something that happens often, so pay attention when looking.

One of the mistakes to avoid during your home inspection is not doing a background check on the inspector.

Refusing to get a presale inspection

On the flip side, if you’re selling the home, not getting an inspection before selling it can be a big mistake. That is because buyers usually get a home inspection done to ensure no issues are present. And if there are issues, buyers tend to give up on the property, which isn’t good for you. So, getting a presale inspection allows you to fix potential problems ahead of time, ensuring buyers don’t lose interest. Additionally, if you do this before listing the home, you could get away with listing the house for a higher price. All in all, getting a presale home inspection only benefits you as a seller. And if you’re buying and selling at the same time, consider some useful tips for buying and selling a house at the same time.

Not being present for the inspection

Being present for the home inspection has a lot of benefits for you. Firstly, you get to see the problems for yourself, if there are any. Second, you can ask your inspector as many questions about the home as you like. Home inspectors will often take the time to explain everything they’ve seen to homeowners if they’re present for the inspection. Also, reading the inspection report isn’t enough to give you a good idea of the situation. So, getting to see it in person is the best call, especially if you’re buying a home. That said, inspections can take quite a bit of time, so make sure to set aside the time. Additionally, make sure to plan for your move; experts from helixmoveva.com note that planning a move can take a lot of time, and you should be prepared for it ahead of time.

Being present during the home inspection has a lot of benefits.

Not preparing the home before the inspection

Another one of the mistakes to avoid during your home inspection which sellers make is not preparing the home ahead of time. The last thing you want is for your inspector to have to empty a closet to get into the attic. Ensure the home inspector has easy access to the house before arriving. Home inspections last a while anyway, so ensure you clear out everything so your home inspector doesn’t have to spend extra time just trying to get somewhere. Unlock the utility closet, shed, or basement, and make sure all access points are usable. Your home inspector will appreciate it, and you will save time. Also, when looking into buying a new home, consider the neighborhood amenities to look for when buying a home. You want to make sure your new home has everything you need.

Not reading the inspection report

Even if you’re present for the home inspection, you should take the time to read the inspection reports. Although your home inspector should verbally explain all the issues they find, reading through the report is still an excellent idea. There could be something they forgot to mention in the report, and you might as well read through it since you paid for it. Additionally, you can use the report when hiring experts to do repairs, as you can give them detailed descriptions of the problems. All in all, even if you’re sure you understood everything regarding the inspection, take the time to read the report anyway. As we already mentioned, the safety of your home isn’t something you should take chances with. So, ensuring nothing got glossed over is vital after any home inspection.

Once you receive the report, make sure to read through it.

Mistakes to avoid during your home inspection – wrap up

There are a lot of mistakes one can make when getting a home inspection. And this can be not nice since your home’s safety should always be taken seriously, and you can’t afford to take any chances with it. So, being there in person and asking specific questions is very important, as well as reading the report afterward. If you’re the one selling the home, remember that there are a lot of benefits to getting a home inspection done before listing the home. We hope this list of mistakes to avoid during your home inspection helps you, and we wish you a good day.

Photos used from Pexels

Sep
13

6 Tips for Making Your Investment Property Appeal to Renters

After your first investment property purchase, you may be eager to get it on the market and available to rent. However, you will benefit from taking the time to make the necessary changes that will add value to the home and the renter’s experience. Consider these tips to make your property appeal to more renters.

Ready to purchase a Naperville investment property? Reach out to Bill White Homes for exceptional real estate service!

1. Prioritize Repairs
Most homes need at least a few small repairs after purchase. Even a simple paint job can make the entire place look different. You can DIY something that simple, but don’t be apprehensive about hiring someone to do repairs properly. It’s much easier to get them done before someone moves in. You can also avoid complaints and costly maintenance requests if you get the job done right the first time around.

2. Make Valuable Renovations
Think about changes you can make to the home that will add value and allow you to increase the monthly rent. For example, research shows that outdoor living space, open floor plans, and green appliances are among the top things renters look for in a home. Take the time to make the outdoor area as nice as the inside. You can add a simple patio to the backyard with plenty of space for furniture. Upgrade the kitchen appliances and remodel the bathroom to include more modern fixtures. Even small changes, such as replacing the carpet can add significant value.

3. Market Effectively
Marketing is an important component for any real estate investor. One simple thing you can do is create a PDF to showcase your property and use it to email interested renters. You can even use a PDF editor online to make changes to documents and drawings as you make upgrades. Just upload the file to the website and make the changes. Then you can download and share. Hire a professional web developer to create a website for your company as well. That way you can show all your properties in one place. After your first investment property purchase, you may be eager to get it on the market and available to rent. However, you will benefit from taking the time to make the necessary changes that will add value to the home and the renter’s experience. Consider these tips to make your property appeal to more renters.

4. Register Your Business
As a rental property owner, your business now is to cater to the needs of the property and the tenant. However, things can go wrong. Protect yourself and your assets from possible liability lawsuits by registering your company as a limited liability company. An LLC provides liability protection, and you can use the company name on the deed for your property. Hire a lawyer to complete the registration process for you, or you can do it online at a significantly lower price.

5. Hire a Property Manager
A good property manager will handle all the tasks a landlord would handle. They will ensure you have well-vetted tenants, make all the arrangements for rent collection, handle any issues with default payments, and schedule maintenance staff. Be sure to find someone you trust, or you can hire an established company to act as a property manager for you.

6. Focus on Amenities
You can add value to the rent by including amenities. It can be as big as installing a swimming pool or as small as including a microwave. If your property is in a high-demand area for business travelers, consider furnishing the apartment. Then you can market it to corporations.

Once you have the home ready and the renters are moved in, your job changes. Being a good landlord requires patience and sometimes empathy. Treat your tenants with respect, and they will likely return the favor.

Jun
16

Useful tips for buying and selling a house at the same time

When it comes to buying and selling a house, the process can be daunting. Attempting both at the same time adds a new level of difficulty. As a buyer and a seller, you’ll have to negotiate in a seller’s market that’s particularly hot. The process of purchasing or selling a home cannot be completely predicted. However, planning your preferred strategy can make the ups and downs a little easier to navigate. Because of this, it’s essential to think ahead to avoid any problems that may develop. Here are a few pointers to help answer some of your most pressing issues about purchasing and selling a home at once.

1. Presentation is key

For the sake of the potential purchasers that walk through your door, you want your property to look its utmost best. Home staging can help with that. When you put your property on the market, you want buyers to visualize what it would be like to live there. When done correctly, selling a home quickly should not be an issue. One of the critical goals of home staging is to assist potential buyers in seeing the space as their potential home. The best method is to start with a completely blank canvas. You want your house to have a specific look and feel, but you don’t want it to have any personal touches. Keeping everything super clean is a no-brainer when selling your house. You should also provide as much natural light as possible.

2. Make sure you work with a seasoned real estate agent

The process of buying and selling a home at the same time can be complicated, which is why it is best to work with a professional. Additionally, an experienced local realtor can advise you on the best time to sell your home, in addition to assisting you in determining its market value. As well as designing a strategy, they can also help you with the negotiation of different components of the process.

3. Pay attention to the neighborhood

Most individuals prefer to live near the necessities of daily living, such as places to shop, parks, and places to eat. There are many other things to consider, such as accessibility, proximity to public transport, schools, and of course, healthcare. This is very important both when buying and selling a property because it will give you an idea of the right price. Make sure you always scout out the amenities in the area.

4. Consider a short-term loan

A “bridge loan” is an option if you don’t have enough money for a down payment. It’s a short-term loan that takes advantage of the equity in your present home to make the down payment you need to buy a new property. Taking on two mortgage payments for up to six months or a year, which is the standard duration for bridge loans, is the only way to go about this.

5. Pay attention to the price

Your home’s selling price is one of the few elements that you have control over during the process. If you undervalue your property, you will have less money towards your next down payment. However, if you price your home too expensive, you risk the buyers passing on your property. For the best chance of receiving multiple offers, you can attempt selling the home at or slightly below market value and then selecting the most attractive offer among them.

6. Consider your leasing options

A “back rent” agreement with the buyer of your present house is a possibility you might want to consider. Homeowners frequently require additional time after closing to either relocate or find a new residence. Moving into a rental property before making a final decision is another possibility. For those going to a new city, this technique is typical because they don’t have much time to buy a house first. It’s best to find a single-family home if you can sign a month-to-month lease. It’s best to advise your landlord or leasing agency upfront if you plan to vacate the property after a certain period. As a result, your options may be limited, and the monthly charge may be increased. It’s better than breaking a 12-month lease and incurring fees.

7. Prepare for the move

You’ll have a long checklist for your residential move when buying and selling a house at the same time. With a bit of forethought and organization, you’ll be able to do everything and still have time to unwind. Make sure you list everything you need to do and take one step at a time to avoid unnecessary stress. You might also want to do a pre-move and post-move checklist. Detailed planning can make all the difference! If you organize your move well, you won’t be too stressed out to enjoy this huge step in your life.

8. Mind the curb

Everyone, including potential homebuyers, will want to see what’s inside if the outside creates a good first impression. On a day, week or month, you can make significant changes. One of the most effective methods to improve the look of your home’s exterior is to add some lush greenery. Plant some flowers and trim the grass in front of your house. Paint your fence, replace the shabby mailbox with a shiny new one, and make your home look pristine from the outside! This is a failproof way of attracting potential buyers to your property.

Closing words

Buying and selling a house should always be a very gratifying experience, even if it is a challenging process. If you work with reputable professionals, it will be easier to do this with less risk and difficulties. Check to see that you are well-prepared and have lots of patience. And remember to keep a positive attitude! Best of luck with your relocation!
Meta description: Buying and selling a house at the same time can be a hard and scary process. These tips will help you to skip the stress and get right to success!

Photos used:
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Feb
11

Want Top Dollar for your home? List now!

When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.

1. Demand Is Very Strong This Winter
A recent article in Inman News explains:

“Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’”

And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. The latest index reveals this December was the most active December in five years.

As the data indicates, buyers are very active this winter. Last December saw even more showings than December of 2020, which was already a stronger-than-usual winter. And remember – you want to sell something when there’s a strong demand for that item. That time is now.

2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low
Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017.

And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today.

Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High
According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong.

NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain:

“Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”

The current 1.8-months’ supply is the lowest ever reported.

The ratio of buyers to sellers favors homeowners right now to a greater degree than at any other time in history. Buyer demand is high, and supply is low. That gives sellers like you an incredible opportunity.

Bottom Line
If you agree the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and supply is low, contact to discuss listing your house today.

Feb
03

Home Staging Tips for Sellers in Naperville

Intend to put your Naperville home up for sale soon? You probably want to sell it quickly and at a reasonable price. Alongside the incentives that drive homeowners to sell, we can’t ignore the marketing and financial benefits of home staging. First, staging your home allows you to showcase your home in the best possible light. The goal is to impress the buyers and show them what your home has to offer. Not to mention staged homes perform considerably better in terms of pricing and raising interest. So much so that around 50% of buyers’ real estate agents in the US note that staging has a massive impact on buyer’s perception of the home. Hence, we will put forward a few home staging tips for sellers in Naperville to help you out!

Home staging isn’t decorating

A common misconception that sellers make is to assume that home staging is essentially the same as redecorating. There are a few reasons why this line of thinking is detrimental. First of all, good staging can be done with a lot less than what you would need to redecorate the home. The point is to highlight the advantages of the house and obscure the flaws. It is not necessary to invest too much money into home staging. After all, you are probably more eager to update the home you are moving into rather than your old home.

Fix the home first, then embellish

It is better to focus your budget and energy on fixing structural flaws and other maintenance projects. Rather than invest money into pure aesthetic updates, it makes more sense to improve or eliminate anything that the buyer might have to fix on their own. They will undoubtedly deduce the cost of the repairs from the asking price. So, it makes sense to think ahead and spruce up the property before the showings.

You don’t need to stage the entire home

According to some estimates, the room staged most frequently is the living room, followed by the kitchen, and then the bedroom. And this makes perfect sense. These rooms comprise the area where the buyer is likely to spend most of the time. If your staging budget is limited, you should invest in fixing these rooms.

One of the important home staging tips for sellers in Naperville is to start in the living room and kitchen.

As for the rest of the property, you can organize a thorough cleaning spree to make up for the fact they are not staged. Likewise, if you don’t have enough money to purchase new appliances, make sure they are squeaky clean and, thus, presentable, if not new.

Home staging should be depersonalized

As much as it might seem counterintuitive, observing home staging as akin to decorating might lead to another mistake – making decorative choices guided by your preferences. On the contrary – you should aim to appeal to the broadest possible number of people. And that is achieved most easily if you stick to universally attractive, tasteful decorative choices. So, as much as you like quirky artwork or something like hunting memorabilia, your buyers might find it tacky or even insulting.

Remember – the point of home staging is to give the buyer an idea about what living in the home is like. So, the buyer needs to visualize themselves and what their life may look like in that home. As many as 82% of buyers report that staging promotes this kind of visualization.

The purpose of staging is to help the buyers visualize themselves in the home.

Hence, it would be best to avoid staging that involves colors, decoration, or furniture that is too distinctive or creative. Unfortunately, the buyer might associate negative feelings with your home only because they didn’t like something irrelevant such as a painting or a carpet. That is why you use neutral colors, minimalist furniture pieces, and interesting but still universally appealing decoration.

A thorough declutter can be very helpful for sellers in Naperville

Decluttering and selling off your old belongings can be a step towards a well-staged home. Having too many things on your property can obscure your home’s good assets and features. Instead, the sheer number of things might even create a chaotic, messy vibe. Not to mention the rooms might appear to be much smaller than they actually are. All of this definitely does not work in your favor when selling.

Fewer items make the home appear more spacious.

Decluttering is also a great way to downsize your belongings to an amount that you can easily move. Managing a long-distance relocation in a state such as Illinois after you finally sell your home should go very smoothly if you have fewer things to pack and move. Of course, an experienced moving crew is more than enough to transfer household items quickly. Still, a thorough declutter is undoubtedly an excellent way to reduce the workload that awaits when you start planning your relocation.

Home staging tips for sellers in Naperville – delivered

Even if your home fits into the lower price range category, home staging has the power to ensure more exposure. It can even give your home a head start if it lacks some of the qualities that buyers look for in a home. Sometimes, sellers are reluctant to invest the money necessary to stage the home despite this fact. The reason is that inexperienced sellers sometimes fail to observe the home’s potential.

As much as organizing home updates and furniture necessary to stage the home might seem like a waste of time and money, the benefits you will reap from it will make that effort worthwhile. That is why it makes sense to apply some of these home staging tips for sellers in Naperville!

Jan
25

Downsizing as a Single Parent: General Tips and Tech to Help

After deciding to downsize to a smaller home, there is a lot to think about. You must get your home ready for a quick sale. You have to find the right home for your family to move to and make a smooth transition. This process requires many small tasks that can overwhelm even the most easygoing going of us. And when you’re a single parent, things can get even more intense!

Fear not—Bill White Homes is here with some tips and resources to help you plan for a fast, painless downsize!

Prep Your Home
First of all, you will want to diligently prep your home for a quick and profitable sale.

● Pare down your belongings, selling or donating any items you will not take with you to the new home.
● Stage your home to impress potential buyers, which might include rearranging furniture, upgrading the decor, and depersonalizing each space.
● Look into the various websites and mobile apps that provide design ideas for your upgrades.
● Consider hiring a professional interior designer or home stager to transform your home before you put it on the market.

Find a New Home
When it comes time to zero in on the ideal home for your family, keep these tips in mind:

● Assess the layout of any home you’re considering to ensure it will meet the needs of your family.
● Also, research the neighborhood to get a feel for the safety and convenience it can add to your life.
● Use real estate sites to browse the housing market, which will allow you to see the home prices and features available in the area.
● Work with an expert realty team like Bill White Homes to make your entire home selling and buying process less stressful!

Move Smoothly
On moving day, you’ll be glad you took the time to put the pieces in place for a smooth transition!

● Start packing up your old home as early as possible, and pack all of your items so that you can efficiently unpack them in your new home.
● Use software to merge PDF files to have fewer paper documents to take with you.
● Arrange for professional movers to transport your possessions from A to B.
● Consider hiring a babysitter if you need help keeping your children safe and occupied on moving day. There are lots of excellent apps for finding reputable local babysitters!

Who says that a single parent has to go through the downsizing process overwhelmed? By planning out your steps beforehand, you can set yourself and your family up for a smooth experience. Keep the tips above in mind as you get your home ready to sell, look for a new home, and arrange the moving day details. You and your kids will be settling comfortably into your new home and life together in no time!

Are you looking for an experienced realty team in Naperville? Contact Bill White Homes today!

Nov
22

7 Neighborhood Amenities to Look for when Buying a Home

There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking for your new home. You should probably decide in advance how many bedrooms or bathrooms you’re looking for. However, that doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker because you can always remodel a home or add more rooms. What you can’t change about your new home, though, is the neighborhood. The neighborhood in which you buy a house affects not just your capacity to enjoy it but also your potential to watch its value increase over time. Whether your property is in the most desirable neighborhood in the region or one that is expected to improve in the coming years, it’s critical to keep an eye on the features of the area that indicate you’ll have interested buyers when the time comes to sell. So, in this article, we will go over some of the neighborhood amenities you need to look for when buying a home.

How To Find A Good Neighborhood

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a home that fulfills all of your desires. However, real estate experts say it’s more vital to pay attention to the neighborhood. After all, you can remodel and repair a house, but you can’t change its location. That means you also can’t change your neighbors or the community’s feel. So, it all comes down to one thing when determining which neighborhood to pick: research. You can rely on your real estate agent to point out essential features and learn about homeowners’ association laws, but you can’t rely on them for everything. To get the best information, you’ll need to put in the work yourself.

Shops

First of the many neighborhood amenities to look for when buying a home is the proximity of grocery stores and other markets. Unless you get your groceries delivered regularly, you’ll undoubtedly go to the market at least once a week. Having access to good food is a desirable bonus for most homeowners, and it may impact the value of your property. Moreover, a neighborhood’s accessibility to retail businesses might be an indicator of future growth.

Schools

Even if you don’t have children, purchasing a home in a neighborhood with excellent schools might be a wise investment. This is because schools have a significant impact on a home’s resale value. Moreover, just because you don’t have kids right now doesn’t mean you never will. If you’re a first-time buyer, it might be wise to think a few years into the future and plan ahead. An easy way to research school quality is to go to the local school district’s site and download the report cards for all nearby schools.

Parks & Green Spaces

Parks and green areas are another amenity to search for in a neighborhood. These are wonderful areas for kids to play, exercise, and learn about nature. Since the start of the pandemic, they’ve become even more crucial, allowing individuals to safely leave the house and get some fresh air.

Fitness Centers

Are there any fitness facilities near the house you wish to buy? If you care about your fitness, you should look into local gyms, especially if you don’t want to work out outside. When it comes time to sell, being close to a state-of-the-art gym might be quite appealing to many purchasers. Furthermore, being close to great local gyms might inspire you to start working out more.

Entertainment & Leisure Facilities

Is there a movie theater, a bar, a museum, a sports field, or a swimming pool near your potential future home? Entertainment facilities, particularly for young people, bring a community to life. However, this isn’t only important to the younger crowd. Everyone needs time away from their hectic activities to unwind and enjoy themselves with their family and friends. So, if you’re thinking of buying a retirement home, this is also something you should look into. Living near facilities such as these will keep you active over the years.

Healthcare Facilities

Access to a hospital is crucial when choosing a house to buy. All people, but especially children and seniors, require quick access to medical care. In the event of an emergency, you need to know that you can get medical help swiftly.

Public Transportation

Most people commute from one location to another every day. That’s why access to public transportation is very important to some buyers. Public transportation is a crucial enhancement for every community, from commuting students to employees who wish to get from home to work. Furthermore, as more individuals choose sustainable lives, demand for nearby public transportation has increased in the past few years. This is because, in order to save money and reduce pollution, more individuals are leaving their own cars in favor of trains and buses.

Renovating A House In A Good Neighborhood

Like we said before, while the location is very important, the house itself can be changed over time to better suit your needs. Many people prefer buying a fixer-upper in a good neighborhood and renovating it after their wishes. This can be a better, more profitable solution. However, it can also be a challenge if you live in the house while you’re renovating. All your stuff can get in the way, and you might have to move it around the house to finish all the work. Luckily for you, there is a solution for items in your way. You can always rent out a storage unit to store your excess items during the renovation.

In Conclusion

When you buy a home, you are purchasing more than just the structure of a house. You’re also picking the neighborhood in which you’ll spend the next few years of your life. Your neighborhood has a significant influence on both your quality of life and the value of your house. That’s why it’s crucial to know what neighborhood amenities to look for when buying a home. Even if you don’t plan on using all those amenities, it’s good to have them in mind.