Do You Talk To The Neighbors Before Buying A House?

As much as the internet has helped consumers get educated on a lot of topics quickly...there are still things that first time home buyers generally do not take into account when they are looking for a home. First time home buyers overlook the neighborhood a lot when they are buying a house. They may know the location and the area pretty well...but they do not know the neighborhood the house is located in. Buying a home is the largest purchase anyone makes in their lives. I know I wanted to know who was living on each side of me and across the street from me. When you move into that first house; you feel you found the right house at the right price in the right area....But what are your neighbors like? Neighbors can and do have an influence on you and your family and neighborhood.... for example, when I moved into the house i am in now 2 and half years ago; I knocked on at least 10 different neighbors doors to ask them about the neighborhood and kids in the area and whether there was any issues I should be aware of....To date; these are now some of my best friends. They helped swing me to the house I chose and I have not looked back once. Having four kids in all different ages wanting to know if there were other children for them to play with in the neighborhood was a large factor for us when we were looking for a house. Yet, most first time buyers do not take into consideration the neighbors when they are looking at buying a house. Once you purchase a house it is a long term investment for you and your family. Chances are the neighbors are in the same position as well. So, why would you not want to know who your neighbors are when looking for a house? Having neighbors that you can rely on are important factors that first time home buyers generally do not consider when looking at a house.... Just as good as the neighbors are that I have now; what if it was the opposite? I would want out of the neighborhood and may take a loss on the largest investment I have made in my life just to get out of the neighborhood.... I advise every buyer I have to go and talk to the neighbors...it can make the difference between your happiness and not..... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker www.davedicecco.com