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Excellence in Real Estate

Identify suitable neighborhoods.

If it's not located in a neighborhood you like, your new house will never feel like home no matter how nice it is. There are several factors that go into making a "good" neighborhood for most people. It should be safe, close to things that are important to you, and should offer the services you depend on, such as healthcare and convenient shopping. Ambiance and curb appeal may be particularly important to you. Whatever your criteria, once you have a better idea of the areas you are interested in, find out as much as you can about each area's demographics, crime rate, schools, traffic, etc. Check out the county and state records for this information, or you can use Yahoo!'s "Get Local" online service. You can even try the local Chambers of Commerce, but bear in mind that they are in the business of attracting new residents to their neighborhood.

Don't buy the first house you see.

If you like the first house you see, don't be tempted to make an offer right away. You should look at least a few other houses first so you can get an idea of the homes that are available in your price range.

Don't buy a house that will be difficult to resell.

Normally, most of a property's value is not in the house, it's in the land. You would do well to heed the old adage of buying the worst house on the best street, not the best house on the worst street. If you buy a house that is overdeveloped compared to neighboring houses, you may think you're getting a great deal when you buy it, but you will probably have a hard time getting back what you paid for it when it's time to sell.