First-Time Homebuyer Checklist

OWNING A HOME CAN BE A GREAT INVESTMENT FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS.  

During the viewing phase of buying a home, the first-time buyer will look at a lot of properties. 

However, it’s not just the home that the buyer should be looking at but the community and neighborhood.  This checklist of questions will assist home buyers in assessing the area around the home that they are considering, to ensure that the community is right for their needs and family:

How far is the commute to work? Factor in the time and cost of fuel. A long and expensive travel may not be ideal in the long-term.
Where will your children attend school?  Are there good schools close by? Does the school provide transportation?
How close will you be to family and friends?
Are there parks and recreational facilities close by?
Is the neighborhood safe? Look into crime rates in the area.
Is there access to shopping centers, public transportation, cultural attractions, libraries, places of worship and hospitals that will make daily living convenient and enjoyable?
Is the property close to an obstacle or negative influence? This could be anything from a railway to a commercial project.
Is there undeveloped land very close to the property? Find out what is proposed for the space.
Is there heavy traffic? This can be a noisy and a hazard for children
Is the future economic climate for the area good? Are businesses growing?
Are people moving in or out of the neighborhood? What is their age, family size etc...