Continuing our series on home buying Q&A, we come to another frequently asked question among home buyers: "How do I choose a neighborhood?"
This is a great home buying question to ask, because it shows you're thinking the right way about real estate. When you buy a home, you are also buying into the neighborhood in which the home resides. You are also buying into the school system, property tax situation, and other factors that affect the value of your home.
There's also the more human aspects of choosing a neighborhood. Obviously, you want to choose a neighborhood that you'll enjoy coming home to every day ... a neighborhood where other home owners care about the appearance of their homes, and the appearance of the neighborhood as a whole.
In other words, you want to choose a neighborhood that complements your home, as opposed to detracting from it.
Here are some resources to help you choose the right neighborhood before buying a home.
* Neighborhood Scout
* Yahoo Neighborhood Reports
* Helpful article on-site (scroll down to "location, location, location")
* Choosing the right neighborhood (About.com)
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