Buying
Beyond the House Itself: What to Check When Buying a Home
May 11, 2019 · 5 min
When buying a home, do not just look at the building; be sure to evaluate the surroundings. Here is what to check besides the structure itself: the neighborhood, schools, infrastructure and the commute.
Drive the area
Nothing beats a tour of the neighborhood. Drive the streets around the home you are considering. Is the landscaping maintained? Are the homes in good condition? How many for-sale or for-rent signs do you see? If there are many, ask your real estate agent why. Other things to note:
- Find out whether a homeowners association (HOA) maintains the area.
- Drive the surrounding roads into the neighborhood. Do you see run-down or abandoned buildings, overgrown lots or zones, especially commercial ones? Is there a railroad nearby? Immediate proximity to such things will affect your home’s value.
- Are playgrounds, parks or a public pool easy to reach? Do you see children playing outside?
- Is there large open space nearby? Ask about long-term plans. It may look bucolic today and become a highway later.
Take a walk
Park the car and walk the neighborhood. You will likely meet neighbors. Are they pleasant and friendly, or reserved? Ask their opinion about the area, the nearby schools and the shops. You will get a good feel for the community atmosphere.
Do your research
Go online and check crime statistics, school districts and local zoning. For crime information, check nationwide law-enforcement sites, or look at services like CrimeReports.com, CrimeMapping.com and NSOPW.gov, the national sex-offender database. Read about schools on the Wake County Public School System site and check GreatSchools.org for ratings in the area.
Test the commute
Drive from your future new home to work and back at exactly the hours you would be commuting. Test the trip to local stores and other destinations. What is the traffic like during school drop-off and pick-up?
The house itself
Where does the home sit in the neighborhood? On a corner lot or a cul-de-sac? On the edge of the community near main roads or busy commercial centers? Do you see fences or sheds on neighboring lots that could encroach on your property?
Questions & answers
How do I check a neighborhood before buying?
Drive it at different hours, walk the streets, talk to neighbors, check HOA docs and fees, note vacant lots, railroads and commercial edges. Visit the commute at rush hour - twice.
What HOA red flags matter most?
Underfunded reserves, pending special assessments, rental caps (critical for investors), and litigation. Always read the budget and meeting minutes, not just the rules.
Should I worry about railroads or vacant lots nearby?
They affect noise, resale and sometimes insurance. Visit at night and on weekends, check zoning maps for what the vacant land can become, and price the discount accordingly.