The Allstate Blog » Buying and Selling Homes

Market Madness [part 2]: Handling the Hassle of an Open House

Brendan — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:02 +0000

Last year, my wife and I put our home up for sale. It was our “five-year house” and we were in year 11, with two growing boys and a dog crammed into a home the size of an average two-bedroom apartment. In part 1 of this series, I detailed how we took our first steps in selling our house. The next step was actually showing the house. While we were lucky that most of our showings occurred in good weather during the summer, it was still a tedious process. First, our agent booked showings as soon as our listing hit the Multiple Listing Service and various real estate agent websites. She told us that we should expect a lot of activity and interest within the first two weeks, and then it dissipates from there, with most of the activity essentially expiring after the sixth week. And boy, was she right. We had a flurry of showings the first week, seriously testing our ability to keep our home in "showable condition" with a house full of active boys and an excitable dog. One of the keys to success was the decluttering we initially did, effectively removing most of the non-essentials that often make up the normal mess. The other was the 12-hour prior notification rule we established with our agent. That gave us just enough time to prepare our house -- and our dog -- for guests. One positive from this whole situation is that while we were cleaning and decluttering, it gave us a great opportunity to create a home inventory of all our stuff, which will be helpful when we update our insurance in our new home. Individual showings were fine, as we’d make sure to leave the house for 30 minutes or so, giving the potential buyers enough time to look around. But the next step was a bit more difficult: The Open House.

Open House

Our first open house was planned for the second weekend our home was on the market. But more to the point, we ended up doing five or six open houses during our extended time on the market…that’s where the good fortune of nice weather played an important role. While leaving your home for two to four hours during an open house is a minor inconvenience, doing it a half-dozen times with two kids and a dog during a busy summer full of sports and activities can be disruptive, to say the least. It’s a situation many home sellers may run into, and while going to a kid-friendly restaurant or birthday party center isn’t an option with a dog in tow, we came up with a great solution: On most "open house afternoons," we took the whole family to the local forest preserve park and enjoyed some quality family time in the great outdoors. On rainy days, we kept the dog at home in a secure pet carrier, and took the kids to local museums. Making the best of what can be a difficult aspect of the selling process can help your family handle an extended selling cycle. I can say with confidence that putting a little thought into the time we needed to be away from home during open houses made all the difference in both our morale and our ability to work through a longer-than-expected selling cycle.

Check out parts 3 and 4 of Market Madness in coming weeks for more insight into selling your home.

How to Do a Final Walkthrough Before Closing on a House

Lindsay Listanski, Coldwell Banker — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:16:49 +0000

When the home buying process is nearly complete, many buyers start relaxing and focusing on other details, such as purchasing new furniture and looking at paint samples.

But there is one more crucial step to take before closing on the house: a final walkthrough. This is the last chance before closing to make sure everything is in working condition. A final walkthrough can not only help you feel more confident about your purchase and avoid buyer's remorse, it can also pinpoint any last-minute problems that should be taken care of before settlement.

When to Schedule a Walkthrough

A house walkthrough should take roughly 30 minutes to complete, enough time for you to be extremely thorough. During this assessment, you should check for new issues that may have come up since the last time you viewed the home.

This is especially important if a major event, like a severe storm, occurred during that time period. Once you close on the home, previous owners are not obligated to fix new damages that may have occurred.

Be sure to schedule a timely walkthrough, about 24 hours before closing on a home, to address any potential problems.

What to Look For

At this time, you should check all major appliances to ensure they are in working condition. For example, consider turning on the dishwasher and washing machine, checking outlets and light switches and testing other basic operations. You might also request warranties and owners' manuals for appliances.

Look to see whether any fixtures the seller agreed to leave behind (a chandelier, for instance) are missing. Check to make sure any previously agreed-upon repairs have been made. Then, look over the general condition of the property, inside and out: Are there damages like scratched walls or floors that occurred when the homeowner moved out? Did they leave unwanted furniture or other things behind? Is the yard and overall property in good shape (or, rather, the condition it was when you last saw the home)?

Many industry professionals recommend that buyers bring a home inspector with them to seek out any problems, and to confirm that repairs were made as requested and to their satisfaction. For this kind of service, home inspectors will typically charge much less than their original inspection costs.

Take Action Quickly

If you do identify problems, you have a few options. First, you may choose to walk away from the deal altogether. However, most professionals encourage buyers to consider how significant the problem is before walking away. Is avoiding a $500 fix worth losing your dream home?

In other cases, you may choose to postpone the closing until the sellers fix the problem. If sellers balk at having the problem fixed, and the repair was agreed upon during negotiations, you do have legal recourse -- although it may be a good idea for the buyers and sellers to try to reach an amicable agreement to make the closing go more smoothly.

Take your time during a final walkthrough to ensure there are no surprises after the closing. Once this important last step is complete, take a deep breath, relax and smile: You are about to be the proud owner of a new home!

Guest blogger Lindsay Listanski is the social media manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate , a leader in full service real estate sales.

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Things To Know About Well Water Before You Buy a Home

Admin — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:49:47 +0000

When you are thinking of buying a new home, there are many details to consider: Financing, the condition of the home, schools in the area and the quality of the neighborhood, property taxes, insurance, whether all of your furniture will fit. And the water. You will drink, shower, clean, flush, brush and wash with the water in your new home every day. So, what do you need to think about if that prospective home operates on a private well? The majority of homes today have a municipal water source that is regulated by government and Environmental Protection Agency health standards. In these cases, the homeowner has little need to be overly involved in the health and safety of their water. But that changes a bit when your home has its own water source. And some prospective homeowners may not be comfortable making that shift from a home with a municipal water supply to one with its own private water source. If your prospective home has well water, you are not alone. According to the EPA, 15 percent of Americans rely on individually owned and operated sources of drinking water. Here are some tips derived from the EPA for managing a home with a private well:

Research common water problems in your area

If you are moving to a completely new area, it is a good idea to reach out to your local water expert for information on local water problems. The EPA website is also a good resource for local water problems. This way, you will be proactive in preserving the taste and safety of your drinking water.

Find out your state’s well water regulations and recommendations

States vary on policies and regulations for private well water owners. Check with your local water expert or local health department for your state’s policies or guidelines on water testing. In some states, like Colorado, you may need to obtain a permit for your private well. In other states, like New Jersey, it is required by law for a seller to perform a water test and disclose results to potential buyers.

Get the water tested by a trusted local professional

Local water professionals can do an in-home water test for certain contaminants, but some recommended well water tests require a full lab analysis. Your local water professional can help guide you through the most appropriate testing for your home.

Have test results interpreted by someone who knows local water conditions

Make sure your local water expert clearly explains the results of your water test, especially if you are new to well water.

Learn your options if your water does contain contaminants

Many contaminants in well water can easily be reduced with water softeners, drinking water filters or other water treatment systems. If your water does contain a contaminant, reach out to a local water expert who will be able to determine the best option for you in your area.

Set up a regular water testing schedule for your home

The EPA recommends private well water tests once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels. The EPA also recommends an extra well water test every two to three years for tannins, hardness, chloride and copper. Potential contamination can occur naturally, or as a result of human activity.

Keep a record of your water tests and any problems that occur

It is a good idea to keep water test results on file. This will allow you to reference them to help identify when a problem began and determine a potential cause. This will also help answer questions from prospective buyers if you ever sell the home. If you are planning on moving to a home with well water, finding a water expert to help you is one of the easiest and best things you can do to ensure your water is healthy and safe. When choosing a water expert, make sure they are Water Quality Association-certified, work in your area and understand local water problems. Check with your local health department, your neighbors or search for your local water treatment company for suggestions on water experts in your area. Becoming educated in well water safety will be beneficial to the maintenance and longevity of your new home! Jim Stewart is the Director of Commercial & Industrial Sales and Dealer Support for Culligan. He has 25 years of Culligan experience that includes the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Recommended by the editors:

How to Approach Home Sellers About Repairs

Lindsay Listanski, Coldwell Banker — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:20:23 +0000

When looking for a new home, it's important to see beyond paint colors and decor that may not be your taste and, instead, focus on the floor plan, structural design and other physical elements of the house. Replacing carpets or changing light fixtures are typically simple and affordable changes you can make once you move in. But if certain areas of the residence require repairs, like the foundation or the roof, purchasing a property could become costly. Don’t let the fear of having to pay for repairs deter you from buying a house, though. In some cases, home sellers may be willing to pay for repairs if it will help them close the deal and sell their property. Here's how to make the ask:

Reasonable Requests

There are certain types of fixes that are generally OK for home buyers to request sellers make before they agree to purchase the home. Getting a home inspection is a must. Once this is complete and specific parts of the home have been identified by an inspector as needing essential upgrades (electrical wiring, for instance), you can approach the sellers to see if they would be willing to pay for the repairs. Conversely, it is not acceptable for home buyers to make non-essential requests for fixes in a home for sale. This might include painting the house simply because you prefer a different color, or making other aesthetic alterations.

Timely Requests

In addition to making appropriate repair requests, it is also important for home buyers to petition fixes in a timely fashion. Making requests days before closing may halt a home sale altogether, as the sellers may not be willing to alter their agreement at the last second. This means you will want to ask the sellers to upgrade certain parts of their home early on in the negotiating process. In certain circumstances, home sellers may be willing to pay for home repairs after the sale is complete. To ensure the sellers follow through on their intent to do so, you might want to hire a lawyer to draw up a contract stating the seller’s intention to make the fixes within a predetermined period.

Decide What You Can Live With

There is a chance that a home seller may be unwilling to pay for repairs. According to Inman News columnist Barry Stone, you should determine how willing you would be accept the home as-is, without repairs paid for by the sellers. If the majority of the home is in quality shape (make sure the defects won't impact your ability to get insurance on the property) and you like most features, you just might want to worry about making fixes after the sale goes through. The key to approaching home sellers about repairs? Communication. For more home buyer tips, check out the coldwellbanker.com learn section. Guest blogger Lindsay Listanski is the social media manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate , a leader in full service real estate sales. Recommended by the editors:

5 Things to Consider Before Taking a Loan for Home Repairs

Linden Garcia, Credit Sesame — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:00:25 +0000

The National Association of Home Builders reports that the Remodeling Market Index, an important indicator of remodeling robustness, climbed 5 points in the third quarter of 2012 (up over second-quarter numbers). In fact, the index is at its highest point since 2005—before the economic downturn. So how can we interpret this index? Activity was particularly strong when it came to owner-occupied homes. This may mean that homeowners are interested in investing in remodels as home prices begin to stabilize and the ability to sell at a better price becomes a possibility. So, do you fall in that group? Are you thinking about making your own improvements? A good remodel can boost the value of your home (not to mention give you something pretty to look at). But, of course, not all home remodels are good remodels. Pick your projects—or the way you’re paying for them—wrong and you could be in a world of financial hurt. Here are some things you should consider before tackling any project: When you’re making repairs, are you planning to put in upgrades? If so, make sure you’re not “overdoing” it for the neighborhood. You don’t want those upgrades to price your home out of its current neighborhood. While it might be nice to have the largest, most expensive home on the block, it could make the home much harder to sell. It may also make it more difficult to get the home appraised at its proper value, since comparisons are generally drawn from nearby homes that have recently sold. Consider updating the areas of your home that have the greatest return-on-investment. While the statistics vary, in general, updating your kitchen and bathrooms will have the highest return, adding 80 to 90 percent of their cost to the home’s value. Be realistic about what your budget can achieve. You probably can’t remodel your entire house for a budget of $10,000 (unless your home is very small). Be realistic about what your budget can get you. If you’re unsure, talk to a few contractors and budget out how much the materials to do the updates would cost you. Select your contractor carefully. You can consult your local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, the State Attorney General or your Local Consumer Protection Agency to identify any red flags on projects a prospective contractor has done in the past. Talk with people your contractor has done work with before. And be sure you receive a contract (read it carefully) before starting a job. Many people have been swindled by “contractors” who say they can do the work, but bail midway through a project. Without a contract, the homeowner has little recourse. Finalize your plans before you start remodeling. Changing up your plans after the remodeling is under way can break your budget. It may cost additional hours in labor for your contractor or cause a delay in how quickly the work is completed if you suddenly decide on an item that will take two weeks to ship. If you plan on remodeling, talk to your agent about your property coverage limits. An improvement to your home can add to its value and, as a result, you may need to increase your limits. This post comes courtesy of the editors at Credit Sesame. Credit Sesame is the best way to see your free monthly credit score and find out how you can save on your credit, loans and mortgage. Using a proprietary algorithm, only Credit Sesame shows you the best ways that you can stop overpaying on your credit and loans and start saving

The “Am I Ready to Buy a House” Checklist

Quicken Loans Guest Blogger — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:00:19 +0000

If you’re considering buying your first home, you probably have a list of “must-have” features. It might be as simple as three bedrooms, two baths. Or maybe your checklist includes a breakfast nook, stained glass windows, a home theater and a claw-footed bathtub. Regardless, you’ve put a lot of thought into what you want out of a home. But many people fail to give that same consideration to their financial situation and whether they’re truly ready to become a homeowner. Many people are not quite ready for the financial responsibility of home ownership, and jumping in before you’re prepared can result in significant financial harm. So, how do you determine if buying a house is a good money move? Here’s a checklist of financial and personal goals to accomplish before you set out to buy that first home:

You’re a budget mastermind.

Were you born with the innate ability to manage a budget? Probably not. Budgeting skills have to be learned, and successful money-management is often the product of a lot of practice. If you’re a good budgeter, you:

Know where your money comes from, and where it’s going, each and every month
Pay off your monthly expenses without going into debt
Funnel a portion of your monthly budget into savings

If this sounds like you, you can check off this box!

Debt doesn't control your life.

Bear in mind that a mortgage is debt. It’s a great investment, but it’s still an obligation that you have to pay off. Before you buy a house and enter into more debt, gain control of debt you already have. High-interest debt should be your first target, and something you should pay down before you buy a house. But having some debt doesn’t preclude you from buying a home. For example, lower-interest debts like student loans and car payments can typically be managed alongside a mortgage payment. If you’ve worked the payment of these debts into your monthly budget, and you’re paying them off at a reasonable rate, you might be ready to buy your first home.

You’re ready to be landlord-less.

Landlords can come in handy when something breaks. They’ll get it taken care of, and foot the bill too! But when you own your home, you won’t have a landlord to depend on. When anything breaks or wears out, it will be your responsibility to fix it. And you’ll have to pay for it too. A lot of people gloss over this area of homeownership. Be sure you think honestly about whether you’re ready to take on that kind of responsibility.

You have a sizable emergency fund.

So how are you going to pay for those home emergencies? Every financially responsible adult should have an emergency fund. Not only will this help cover the cost of any home disasters, but it will help cover your mortgage payment and other monthly bills if you happen to get sick, lose your job, or encounter other unexpected events.

Your income is reliable.

When you take on a mortgage, you’re entering into a serious long-term financial commitment. You need to be confident that you’ll be able to afford your mortgage payment a year from now, 10 years from now and even 20 years from now. You should have a stable income as well as at least one to two years of employment history at your current job. If you have any doubts about your job or financial situation, don’t buy a house: not being able to afford your mortgage could have serious implications.

You have a decent credit score.

Most mortgage companies have a minimum credit requirement to obtain a mortgage. Getting a mortgage with a poor credit score may mean a higher interest rate, and that you’ll end up paying more over the life of your loan. Generally speaking, having a better credit score means that you pay less to own your home. So, before you become a homeowner, beef up that credit score.

You’re ready to make the commitment to stay in one place.

You should be able to live in the same place for at least five years. The graduate student who is looking to travel the world, for example, is not a good candidate for homeownership. It doesn’t make financial sense to buy a home if you’re not really ready to settle down.

You’ve saved for a down payment.

Most mortgages require a down payment. The larger your down payment, the less interest you’ll end up paying on the loan. If you can save up the thousands of dollars required for a down payment, chances are, you’re in a good financial place to make a home purchase. Buying a home is a serious commitment—and likely the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make—so it’s important to make sure you’re absolutely ready. If you’re able to check off this whole list, congratulations! If not, keep working hard to get your finances under control: homeownership may be in your future yet! Christine Bilger is a writer at Quicken Loans and she loves blogging about family, personal finance, and mortgage tips on the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

Buying a Foreclosure: 5 Dos to Start Off on the Right Foot

Mary Boone, Zillow — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:00:25 +0000

At first glance, foreclosed properties appear to be the kind of bargains you simply can’t pass up. For some, it’s true: Buying a foreclosure can be a terrific investment opportunity. But beware; there often are a number of challenges along the way. These five "dos" should get you on the right track as you begin your buying quest: 1. Do your homework. Read everything you can get your hands on, attend seminars and seek the advice of foreclosure investors. Learning the lingo and understanding the basics of the process will better prepare you for the journey. Additionally, you need to research neighborhoods before you buy a home. What are the schools like? What about crime rates? What have other properties in your desired neighborhood sold for? 2. Do keep an open mind. The current real estate market is certainly chock-full of competitively priced foreclosures. But the same can be said of traditional listings. Traditional sellers may be more flexible about taking care of repairs or negotiating price, and you likely won’t have to assume the previous owner’s overdue debts or liens. Plus, by narrowing your search to foreclosure homes only, you may not end up in your dream neighborhood or your favorite style of house. Being open to many options will ensure you end up with the best house for your money. 3. Do find an experienced agent and attorney. The foreclosure market is complex. Whether you’re looking at a pre-foreclosure, short sale or bank-owned property, you’re going to need the guidance of a professional who has experience buying and selling these types of properties. That doesn’t mean someone who has read about the process. You want to work with someone who has gone through it and knows what can go wrong. Besides, a real estate agent who specializes in foreclosures likely will have long-term relationships with area lenders, so they’ll hear about properties that haven’t yet been officially listed. Foreclosure laws and regulations are tricky, and they vary from state to state. A real estate agent can help you locate properties and make offers, but – unless he is also a practicing attorney – you cannot rely on him for legal advice. Be prepared to consult with a local real estate attorney who understands how these purchases work. 4. Do get prequalified. It doesn’t make sense to fall in love with a home that’s twice what you can afford. If you’re serious about buying, go talk to your lender before you even begin your search so you know how much you can afford to borrow to buy a home and exactly which price point you should be targeting. Even better: Get preapproved. That way, you can move quickly when you decide you’re ready to buy. 5. Do think beyond today It’s best to approach any real estate transaction with a long-term perspective. If your plan is to flip the property and quickly resell it, you need to ask yourself: What happens if it doesn’t sell for six months or a year or longer? Do the math: How long can you afford to carry this property before all your profit goes down the drain? If you plan to live in the house, do some math and determine what it will cost you to remodel and repair the property. Often, lenders are willing to loan money for the property but not the repairs. Can you afford to make this property your dream home? Can you handle the work yourself, or do you need to hire someone to do the repairs? Do you have a realistic idea about these costs? Do the math or you may suffer long-term financial repercussions.

Mary Boone is a writer for Zillow, a home and real estate marketplace dedicated to helping homeowners, buyers, sellers, renters, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, landlords and property managers find and share vital information about homes, real estate and mortgages.

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How Does the Economy Affect Purchasing Decisions?

Brendan — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:00:34 +0000

We've all heard jaw-dropping tales of economic adversity from the Great Depression, which get passed down through families from generation to generation. Some of those pearls of wisdom from elderly relatives are invaluable, teaching us how to save money and to live as frugally as possible. On the other hand, the generations that came of age in the 1980s and 90s developed very different, free-spending and heavy-borrowing habits. Will their lessons and habits be passed on too? Things are particularly hard for recent college graduates, also known as Generation Debt, who are faced with cracking an extremely tough job market. Are they looking back to Depression-era insights to help them survive in the modern world? Or is this generation set in the consumer habits they observed growing up?

It Pays To Save

Saving was key to people who survived the Depression, even if they could only put tiny amounts aside per month. Putting aside one-third of your income is often cited as a rule of thumb for anyone looking to save, but recent college grads swimming in debt and faced with meager earnings may find that a difficult target to make. Any amount of savings is better than none, however. Learning how to save might feel like a daunting proposition, but tech-savvy grads have plenty of free advice just a few mouse clicks away. The rise in popularity of budget-planning websites and apps help keep spending under control. Mint.com can be used to help prepare for the eventuality of debt prior to graduation, and can continue to be a valuable source long after.

Debt Can Be Deadly

Disproportionate borrowing was a huge factor in both the recent economic collapse and the Great Depression. It's estimated that the average student currently has around $25,000 of debt upon graduating, and for some it's much higher. There's evidence to suggest that recent grads are taking steps to reduce debts built up by loans, although some are taking extreme measures. Many people entering the workplace for the first time are putting off major life changes in order to focus on paying off loans. Getting married, having kids, and buying a house are all being put on the back burner until debt becomes manageable. Anyone dismayed at their debt situation can at least take comfort in knowing that they're in good company. Even Barack Obama has talked about how much debt he and Michelle were in after college, claiming they only got out of it eight or nine years after they were married, with a little help from book sale royalties. The Audacity of Hope was, it seems, appropriately named.

Shop Smart

Many Depression-era survivors got through the period by resisting the temptation to purchase desirable but unnecessary household goods, like a shiny new wireless radio - the 1930s equivalent of the iPad. Are recent grads cutting back in similar ways? The evidence suggests they are, even though consumer spending is generally on the rise -- increasing 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2012. With student loan debt at an all-time high, fewer households are being formed due to grads living at home for longer periods of time, meaning there's been a slump in sales in furniture and other common household items. When money is scarce, bargain hunting becomes ever more important, and there’s evidence to suggest a large proportion of the population is seeking to cut corners in this way. Just look at the continued popularity of sites like Craigslit, eBay and Etsy, where you can buy and sell just about anything on the planet — often at vastly reduced prices. Even major retailers are tapping into the trend. The Amazon Marketplace remains one of the best places to sniff out a bargain online, and even top-of-the-range tech firms like Apple offer opportunities to purchase refurbished goods and older models of their devices. Maybe you don't have to forgo that iPad indefinitely after all. How can this generation recover from the effects of the recession, and how long will it take them? Do you think this generation will be permanently more frugal, or are they still influenced by the free-spending 1980s and 90s? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Want more information about managing your debt? Check out myallstatefinancial.com's Dealing with Debt section.

5 Tips to Take a Listing Photo that Will Help Sell Your Home

Leslie Ortega, Homes.com — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:00:31 +0000

In a market that has multiple options for current home buyers, it’s important to make your listing stand out from the crowd. Online real estate sites like Homes.com provide house hunters with the opportunity to get a feel for a particular home without ever seeing it in person. But are your listing photos making the most of your property’s selling features? Follow these five tips to photograph your home and help your listing stick in the minds of buyers.

Shoot on a clear day/night

Bright sunny skies will help create a warm feeling when looking at the house. Clouds tend to produce a dark and gloomy feeling in photos.

Consider the direction the house faces

For the best exterior shots, you want the sun to be behind you as you take the photo. So, if your house faces east, a morning shoot will be best for getting photos of the front of the home, and evening will be best for the back of the home.

Use sunlight to illuminate a room

The prime time for taking interior photos is midday, because the sun will be shining directly in your home’s windows, giving it a less harsh and homier feeling. A flash can result in glare.

Use a tripod

Few photographers can stand perfectly still. And getting the perfect shot often requires the camera to stay completely stationary. Invest in a tripod to enable you to take quality photos you may not otherwise capture with a camera held in your hand. If you don’t have a tripod, try steadying your camera on a stable surface so you can take a sharper photo.

Remove all clutter

Removing all unnecessary items from a room will help the space appear larger. Clean and organized rooms also help a house hunter imagine the home with their own belongings in it. You only get one chance to make that first impression. With millions of people house hunting online it’s imperative that your home’s listing photos feature your house in the best possible light.

Leslie Ortega is with Homes.com. For additional tips on how to sell your home, be sure to visit the selling a home section of the Homes.com blog.

5 Things to Know About a Neighborhood Before You Buy a Home

Mary Boone, Zillow — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:15:08 +0000

You just bought the cutest house in the quietest neighborhood — or so you thought. Unfortunately, you did your house hunting in the winter, and now that the weather has warmed up you’re realizing the street is populated with teenagers who blast music through open windows and dozens of kids who routinely race their bikes through your yard. In the National Association of Realtors' 2010 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, buyers ranked quality of neighborhood (64 percent) as the most important consideration when selecting a place to live. While it may not be possible to know everything there is to know about your neighborhood before you move in, a thorough investigation will help ensure you are moving into the right environment. Be sure your research includes these important criteria:

Crime rates

Visit crimereports.com, a website that provides visitors with free up-to-the-minute crime maps and crime reports for specific areas. The site offers a free mobile download and, if you choose, will send free crime alerts on a regular basis. Also, make time to talk to the community resource officer for the area. Your city may have a different title for this position, but it’s essentially someone who works as a liaison between the police and neighborhoods. Your community officer can provide information about property and violent crime trends for an area and may even be able to provide crime report printouts. For small communities, you may need to check directly with the police department.

National Sex Offender Database

The police will be able to provide information about registered sex offenders living nearby. You should also check out FamilyWatchdog.us, a free database that allows you to search by street name or city. The site provides information — often including a photograph —about offenders living in the neighborhood.

Noise and traffic

Your home search may not span months, so that you can learn about summertime vs. wintertime noise. But you should plan to visit the neighborhood at all times of the day and night. Check out traffic patterns during rush hour. Are some streets more dangerous because of this traffic? What’s the neighborhood like at midnight on a Saturday? Is there a church nearby that eats up all the Sunday morning parking? Are you so close to the airport that you hear the roar of planes? Talk to multiple neighbors: Does the neighboring park host festivals that might create parking and noise issues? Ask when they think the neighborhood is at its wildest and, if at all possible, make a visit at that time.

Schools

You don’t have children, so why should neighborhood schools matter? Two main reasons: You may have children in the future, and good schools ensure consistent demand for properties — and higher resale prices. Websites such as Education.com and GreatSchools.net allow you to search schools by ZIP code, city, district or school name. These sites provide information about test scores, student-to-teacher ratios, student demographics and more. Because private schools aren’t required to release test scores, the sites provide fewer statistics about them. Ask neighbors for their thoughts on area schools and conduct Internet searches for articles and reviews about them.

Public services

When you drive through a potential neighborhood, do you see signs that the city is having financial trouble? Are streets clean and well maintained? Are parks clean? Are there sidewalks? Is public transportation available nearby? Where are the nearest police and fire stations? Have libraries been shuttered? Declining property tax rolls have forced many towns to cut back on public services. Are you comfortable with the level of services available in this neighborhood? An outdated kitchen or bath can always be remodeled, but neighborhoods are more difficult to change. Do your homework so you end up buying a home in a location that’s right for you and your family. You Might Also Like:

Mary Boone is a writer for Zillow, a home and real estate marketplace dedicated to helping homeowners, buyers, sellers, renters, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, landlords and property managers find and share vital information about homes, real estate and mortgages.