Finding Your Neighborhood

A neighborhood can make or break your homeowning experience.    It can impact your commute, lifestyle and sense of community.      One of the top questions I ask all my sellers to answer to help market their home is…what do you love about this neighborhood?   Why?  Because buyers typically are looking for a home that not only suits their needs but their lifestyle as well.    

Some things to keep in mind while shopping for a new home:

HOA:   Homeowner Associations can either create a carefree homeowner experience by taking care of everything on the exterior, including cutting the grass…to simple bylaws stating your neighbors can’t park an RV in the driveway or build a shed out back.  The cost of an HOA varies greatly but be sure to know this cost up front for your budget.    

Amenities:   Sidewalks.   Something as simple as having sidewalks is considered an “amenity” and can go onto include pools, tennis courts, gyms, clubhouses, playgrounds, ponds and more.   If they’re important, make sure you verify up front!

Property Taxes:  Typically, these are escrowed into your monthly mortgage payment so be sure to ask about those costs up front so you can budget accordingly.

Neighbors:  It’s amazing what you can learn about the neighborhood by simply being friendly.    Walk it on the weekends and stop to chat up a neighbor about their experience as well as if they know if anyone is looking to sell.  Recon and aerobics, my friends!

Access:    Traffic is a problem throughout all Middle TN.   What used to take 15 minutes to get to may now take 30.  If you’re commuting and that’s a concern, take a drive from the neighborhood to your job during those high traffic times to make sure it’s doable long-term.

Growth:  If you see a vacant field behind a large subdivision, chances are that it can and will be developed down the road.   Your agent can investigate any short-term plans that have been filed with the city or talk up the builders in the current subdivision but sometimes that information is not available.   Make sure you are ok if that pretty field suddenly becomes more neighbors.

The Pro vs Con:   Start really thinking about the neighborhood in terms of your own lifestyle.   Does the hood have too much traffic, poor cell reception, limited internet options, funky smells, too many or not enough kids, train tracks nearby…you get the point.

If you’re looking in the greater Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin area…I’d love to help you find your new home. Let’s talk.