Is this really "The Perfect" Neighbourhood?

Have you ever looked at a home and thought "Wow that is the perfect home! The schools are close. It is in a quiet and safe neighbourhood. We should definitely put in an offer." Then you discover the quiet little cul-de-sac has a Marijuna Grow op on it or the construction down the street is for a group home for wayward teenage girls and now your wondering which way to catch the next train out of town.

I have had clients that have considered homes in two such neighbourhoods...In fact the very house where the marijuna grow-op (now registered and sold) was the home they were interested in...that was before all the details came out that it was a former grow-op. Just the other day (Oct 31 issue) I read an article in one of our smaller papers "The Oshawa Express" called "Group Home draws fire." It is about a quiet little court that has been turned upside down and the residents are outraged and complaining about rude and rowdy behaviour from teenage girls at this newly established group home. Luckily neither of my client's ended up purchasing in either of those "quiet perfect neighbourhoods"

But, how do you know when you are considering buying a home whether you have picked a good neighbourhood? First off pick a real estate representative who knows the neighbourhood forwards and backwards and is willing and able to do research to help you make your decision. Also, do your own research. Ask neighbours questions. Read the newspapers (including back issues.) Do internet searches. Don't jump at a deal that looks to good to be true...do your due diligence and check it out. The old adage "If it looks too good to be true it probably is" may be a saying you want to remember. Finally, use your instincts if your gut is telling you to stay away from it you probably should this will help you not only to pick a good neighbourhood now, but will minimize picking a neighbourhood that develops into a bad one.

For more tips on buying and selling check out http://www.homesforsaledurhamregion.com/

Jennifer O'Malley, Sales Representative
Sutton Group - Status Realty Inc., Brokerage

Office: 905-436-0990 (24 hr paging)

Email: jen@jenniferomalleyrealtor.com
Website: http://www.jenniferomalleyrealtor.com/

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