4 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Neighbourhood

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If you are looking for a new house, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a senior looking to downsize, you must remember that you aren’t just buying a home: you are also buying into, and becoming part of an entire community. 

Selecting the right neighbourhood can provide many benefits, including: 

• Greater security for your whole family 
• Faster growth on your investment 
• Access to important amenities such as schools, hospitals, and green spaces
• Greater convenience and a more comfortable daily life 

When you are buying a home, choosing the right neighbourhood is definitely a key part of the decision making process. Working with an experienced realtor will ensure that you find everything that matters to you, in and around your new house.

WHY IT’S BEST TO WORK WITH A REALTOR WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME

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4 Tips for Selecting the Right Community When Buying a New Home

When you are searching for your dream home, it can be easy to get caught up in a house that ticks everything off your wishlist. However, before buying any property, it’s important to pay close attention to its location and neighbourhood.

A great neighbourhood is one that fits your current lifestyle and caters to your family’s unique requirements. Here are some of the top factors you must consider when deciding if a neighbourhood is right for you and your loved ones: 

1. Crime Rates and Neighbourhood Safety 

One of the most important factors to consider when searching for a new home, especially if you have children, is neighbourhood safety. If you are trying to get a better sense of whether a community feels safe, here are some factors you should look at: 

• Crime rates. It is unlikely that you will find a completely crime-free area. However, if you do notice a high level of criminal activity in a certain neighbourhood, this is a red flag that should not be ignored. 
• Neighbourhood watch. Having a neighbourhood watch will not only lower the risk of your family becoming a victim of crime, but it also means that the community is better prepared to handle any suspicious activity. While this may not be a deal-breaker when it comes to buying your new home, it can be a huge added advantage.
• Adequate street lighting. Having adequate and fully functioning street lights can help you feel safer in a neighbourhood.

Top Tip: Spend some time in your prospective neighbourhood and talk to members of the community. This will help you better judge whether or not your family will feel secure in that specific area. 

TOP 5 CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME IN CALGARY 

2. Access to Good Schools 

Access to good schools is an important consideration if you have children or if you want to expand your family in the future. Some of the aspects you should look carefully at when assessing potential schools include their: 

• Extracurricular activities
• Sports programs 
• Parent-teacher organization 
• Test scores and data 

Even if you don’t have kids, being near quality schools will boost your home's value and make it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.

3. Nearby Recreational Facilities and Amenities 

Access to recreational amenities is very important, especially for young families. When searching for a new home, make sure to check if they have any nearby recreational facilities such as: 

• Parks, open spaces, and trails 
• Farmers markets
• Community centres 
• Theatres and other local attractions 
• Shopping and dining spaces 

Access to Essential Services: In addition to having access to recreational facilities, you want to make sure that you have convenient access to essential services including hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks. 

4. Pride of Ownership and Proximity of Neighbours 

Before buying a home, you should take a walk around the neighbourhood and ask people if they are proud to live in the area and what they love most about their community. Some of the other factors you should look at include: 

• The condition of your potential neighbours’ homes: are they well kept or eyesores? 
• The noise levels (especially on weekend nights) 
• How close the houses are to each other 

This is important because a good neighbourhood should look appealing, feel inviting, and make your daily life more comfortable.

Give Our Calgary Realtors a Call 

If you are a first-time homebuyer or an empty nester looking to make a change, our Calgary realtors can help you find your dream home at a great price. To find out more about our services, call our team at (403) 284-633 or fill in our online contact form.

FAQs 

Q. How can an experienced realtor help me find the right neighbourhood?
As a potential homebuyer, you are likely wondering about certain aspects of a potential neighbourhood including crime rates, local amenities, and whether there are any quality schools close by. A top realtor can provide you with all the relevant information you need to make the most educated decision on locations and neighbourhoods.

Q. How do I know if I’m ready to own a home?
There are some signs that could indicate you are ready to buy a home. This includes if you have no more debt, a steady job, a good credit score, solid savings, and an emergency fund. In addition to this, if you love the city or area you are living in and are planning to stick around for the long-term, you could be ready for homeownership. 

Q. How do I know if I’m getting a good deal on the home?
While it’s impossible to know how much a home is worth exactly, a top realtor can use comparable properties and look at similar homes that have recently sold in the area to ensure you are paying a fair price.