Five Things to Look for in a Neighbourhood

Does your Chatham-Kent neighbourhood have curb appeal?

Choosing a Chatham-Kent neighbourhood with curb appeal is one of the most important things you can do while house hunting. If there are cars on lawns, garbage thrown across front porches, and knee-high grass, the neighbourhood you're visiting is likely sending the wrong message. Not only that, it's driving down property value, and making it more difficult for Chatham-Kent home owners to sell. When you think about curb appeal, don't just look at the house you're visiting, look at the curb appeal of each house on the block. You can tell a lot about your neighbours by the way they take care of their property. If you don't know what neighbourhood to start in, just ask your Chatham-Kent real estate agent, they'll be happy to guide you along the way.

Do local schools meet your standards?

If you have children, finding a neighbourhood with quality schools is a top priority. The local schools in Chatham-Kent offer excellent learning opportunities, but some have special features. Even if you don't have children yet, learning about the local schools should be a part of your neighbourhood survey. Consider factors such as public school versus Catholic or Christian educations, and English versus French immersion. As well, it's important to note whether your children will be safe to walk to school, or if they need to take a bus. For families, you can't afford to overlook local schools while searching for a house in Chatham-Kent.

Will you feel safe in your neighbourhood?

Finding a neighbourhood in Chatham-Kent you can feel and be safe in is more important than any updated kitchen or bathroom. When searching for a home in Chatham-Kent, you should feel safe and free to walk at night, and to let your kids play in the yard. Be aware of crime reports from the local police service and note the speed and congestion of traffic on local streets. A good practice while house hunting in Chatham-Kent, is to pick a few neighbourhoods and visit them at various times. Stop and walk during the day and drive through and explore at night. If you feel safe during your visits, odds are you've found a good neighbourhood. Don't just hope and trust your neighbourhood will be safe, do your research and find out for yourself.

Stores, groceries, and more...

Don't undervalue the importance of the proximity of your Chatham-Kent property to grocery stores, pharmacies, sports facilities, and more. Driving 20-minutes each way for groceries can frustrate some home buyers in Chatham-Kent. Being well informed and knowing where your closest shopping alternatives are prior to purchasing your home is an excellent plan. As well, if you're a person who enjoys being active, playing sports, or participating in cultural activities, make note of the closest facilities. Local trails, golf courses, arena's, gyms, and galleries are a huge selling feature for active home buyers.

What's with all the noise?

As you scour the Chatham-Kent real estate market for the perfect home, your search should include an assessment of noise in each neighbourhood. We've all experienced it before; you're trying to sleep but a barking dog or loud music is keeping you awake. Having this happen once in a while is alright, but if it's an everyday occurrence, you won't be happy with your Chatham-Kent property purchase. Finding a quiet and respectful neighbourhood in Chatham-Kent isn't difficult, but you still need to do your research. Don't be afraid to walk the neighbourhood or speak to the people living next door. Consider your home's proximity to busy streets, listen for barking dogs, and find out if you're near local nightspots. If you're purchasing a duplex or semi-detached home, listen for sounds throughout the house, because adjoining walls are often poor sound buffers.

Don't just jump into the Chatham-Kent real estate market without first doing your homework. Find a neighbourhood that fits your needs, the needs of your family, and will allow you to live a safe and happy life.

If you need help finding your perfect neighbourhood, give me a call at 519-360-0141 or Contact Me via my website.