Help Clients Get to Know the Neighborhood

Help Clients Get to Know the Neighborhood

 

Help Clients Get to Know the Neighborhood

Help Clients Get to Know the Neighborhood

During a house hunt, helping your clients find a neighborhood where they can feel comfortable and satisfied long-term can be just as important as helping them find them a home with the right features.

This is particularly important for younger buyers, who still want traditional single-family homes but are increasingly choosing neighborhoods that reflect their personality and lifestyle. Besides finding a neighborhood that reflects their interests, your clients will want to assess the neighborhood’s proximity to their jobs, its safety, and if it has decent school options.

Here are steps your clients can take to properly assess a potential neighborhood:

Walk, Don’t Drive

As more buyers are interested in living in neighborhoods with entertainment and outdoor amenities within walking or biking distance, the days of driving clients around the neighborhood in a car may be over. Also, as a recent blog post from Classic American Homes points out, getting out and walking around the neighborhood is also key in terms of assessing the noise and smell of a neighborhood.

Don’t Be Afraid to Knock on Some Doors

Your clients can gain a lot of insight into a property by just asking the neighbors about the home’s condition, how the homes in the area handle bad weather, and even find out more information about the homeowner’s association, if there is one. If the buyers get a bad vibe from the neighbors, it might also be a sign that the area isn’t the best fit for them.

Visit Multiple Times

Checking out a neighborhood at different times and during the week and also on the weekend can not be stressed enough. While a place might seem relaxed and quiet during the work-week, it could be party central on the weekend. Going at different times can also help assess if the area is kid-friendly and if the neighbors spend a lot of time outside.

Imagining Life There

Finally, your clients need to be able to picture themselves living in the neighborhood long-term. As Classic American Homes suggests, have them ask themselves these questions: How does it feel being there? Can they envision a happy life? What will it be like to relax in the yard? Is it close to plenty of amenities?

Imagine yourself driving into the neighborhood, into your driveway, and walking into your home. Picture yourself working and relaxing in your yard. Think about finding that favorite restaurant down the street. Consider that quick trip to the grocery store to pick up a few ingredients.

Source: “What to look for in a new neighborhood,” American Classic Homes  (July 28, 2016)