Posts for Syndication

We all love a good pampering. Your home is no different. A little spring sprucing gives you house that extra special attention it needs. Whether you start on the inside or the outside, give your home some special treatment and it will reward you with more comfort, extra space and a bright, clean environment. We provide complete estate cleanout services in hamilton and surrounding area.

Post Winter Clean Up

During inclement weather, dirt and grime builds up in corners and crevices. Attack tight spaces between fences and garden sheds or around foundations with a strong stream of water to dislodge debris. Rake decaying leaves and foliage from around your foundation. Clean out your gutters (or call a gutter service), because clogged gutters during a heavy rain puts your roof at risk of water damage.  If your roofing and gutters have been severely damaged, you may need a roof repair service as well as a new Seamless Copper Gutter Installation. In addition, this is the perfect time to have your roof inspected too. You may click here for more roofing contractors for you to choose from.

Stow Your Winter Equipment

If you have cold-weather equipment, now is the time to clean and service it, check for rust, salt or de-icing residue and store it away for next year. In fact, storing away your fall and winter paraphernalia gives you more space to set up a garden bench, composting bin or patio furniture. Remember to schedule the reverse in the fall: clean and stow your summertime equipment in preparation for winter. Pull out your gardening tools and make any repairs needed.

Take a moment to go through the contents in your car. Switch out anti-freeze for bug cleaner and stow your winter emergency gear. Change out that ice-scraper for a sun shield, and replace your wiper blades. Add a summer survival kit (water, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel) to your trunk.

Clean the Outside

Whether you have vinyl siding, brick or stucco, soot, grime, mold and mildew builds up. If your siding is vinyl and you can reach, a Bob Vila recommends using a soft cloth or brush and a mixture of 70% water with 30% white vinegar or, alternatively, a mixture of an oxygen-based bleach with powdered household cleaner. Other general cleaners, especially if they are biodegradable, will work well too, but avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbers. If you use a pressure washer, make sure to follow the advice of Siding Installation Baltimore company.
To clean stucco, stone or brick, use a power washer, but watch the PSI since too strong a stream can dislodge mortar and loose stucco. Remove mold, moss stains and mildew with chemicals specially formulated for your exterior type. You may also hire mold inspections and removal service for this task.

Moving Indoors

Now that the outside is sparkling, you can tackle of those projects you have been putting off. Clean out the pantry. Get rid of expired foods and cans, and wipe down the shelves. Move older items to the front for easier access. Pull everything out of your freezer and toss those with freezer burn (and anything older than this list compiled by at Food Safety). If you do not date your frozen foods, now would be a good time to start.

Gather all your old books, magazines and newspapers. Recycle the newspapers and pass the magazines and books along to a shelter, senior center or free library. Get rid of envelops and junk mail that may have gathered and toss the holiday cards (or store them if you’re sentimental). Clean the clutter from your refrigerator front to make room for new photos, art and postcards.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you can clean it using this 15-minute method, or call a chimney sweep.

Purge the Closet

Pull out winter clothing you didn’t wear this season and pass it on to someone else. Store your remaining cold-weather duds in plastic storage bags. If space is an issue, use the vacuum-style storage. Switch out flannel sheets for summer-weight ones and put away the heavy comforter in favor of a lighter coverlet.

When you’ve spruced up your house, you can decide if now is the right time to put it on the market. We can help you with that decision, so give us a call.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re thinking of buying a fixer-upper for the first time, whether to live in yourself or to flip, doing some of the renovations yourself can be satisfying and economical. You’ve watched plenty of television shows where novices remodeled a house in two or three days, so how hard could it be? But, before you start tearing out walls and ripping up flooring, there are a few important renovation blunders to avoid.

Know your limitations

Despite what you’ve seen on TV, until you have some experience under your tool belt, you won’t know your own strength, endurance and patience for the time, difficulties and potential setbacks you’ll encounter. Often what seem like minor projects can turn into major issues if you run into mold, mildew, old wiring and other costly issues.

The best strategy is to start with one small project to see if you

• Enjoy doing it.
• Can complete it in a timely fashion.
• Don’t run into difficulties or problems you cant solve.

Know who to call

Before tackling a project, take time to contact an experienced friend, family member or helpful neighbor to get their advice. If you don’t have a knowledgeable acquaintance, visit your local DIY or neighborhood hardware store and speak to their department expert. Many times, they offer weekend classes to teach the basics of home improvement projects.

Know if you need a permit

Most people know that they need a permit for a major construction or home addition, but many municipalities require permits for smaller changes you may not realize or consider. Some cities require permits for projects as simple as replacing the front door or changing the exterior color. Often, homeowners assume that interior upgrades don’t require permitting, but if you add a kitchenette to your game room or create a mother-in-law apartment, many times you’ll need a permit.

Neglecting getting a permit may derail your home’s sale or add costly changes and repairs later on.

Know which tools you need

Home renovations are not the opportunity to try your “MacGyver” skills. Repurposing tools and household objects seems great … until you’re in the middle of your project with drying mastic trying to hold tiles in place with your knees and toes. Tools are expensive. If you don’t have the right tools, and can’t afford to buy them, see if you can rent them from your DIY, rental or farm store. Some local libraries offer tool rental too, so check out all the options before you need that pipe wrench, specialty saw or clamp.

Purchasing specialty tools for a single renovation project may make it cost prohibitive. In that case … hire an expert.

Know the resale value

According to the Remodeling annual cost vs. value report, less expensive upgrades like entry door, garage door repair and window replacements perform better on resale over more upscale changes to kitchens or bathrooms.

Renovations need to be appropriate for the neighborhood to add true resale value, according to Bob Vila. So, while you may love a gourmet kitchen, and want it in your own home, don’t plan to recoup the expense when the time comes to sell.

Compliments of Virtual Results.

You’ve decided to make your new home as ecologically sustainable as possible. You’ve changed out the toilets for low-flow versions and added insulation, installed bamboo flooring, energy-efficient windows and natural gas appliances. Now, it’s time to tackle the yard. Before you tear out that water-guzzling turf, make a plan to replace it with an aesthetically pleasing low-maintenance xeriscape.

Dry-scaping, desert-scaping, or xeriscaping, is landscaping that serves to utilize less water, conserve energy and protect the local environment and wildlife. That doesn’t mean you have to replace everything with sand and cacti though. Most climates support a variety of plant life, so just be sure to select regionally native plants. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Functionality

Lawns offer play and activity space, so if you use your yard (children’s playground, entertainment, extension of living area), be careful to use materials and designs that enhance—rather than diminish—the usefulness of your landscape. For example, replacing turf with coarse gravel would not work for a play area. Instead, use pea gravel, sand, mulch or recycled materials especially designed for playground use. If you need these materials, make sure to hire a residential and commercial dump truck service for reliable trucking and hauling services.

Create entertainment areas with paver stones, gravel or an artful combination. A great addition to an activity space for kids are play area markings. For some great ideas, check out these images.

Site Planning

Before installing your xeriscape, take time to determine how water, wind, shade and sun factor into your yard. If your property is on a slope (even a slight change in elevation), determine how water naturally flows. Avoid placing a playground or entertainment area at the lowest point where water might pool—reserve that area for plants. Preserve existing trees and install shade-tolerant plants in their shadow. Consider heavier ground cover (lava rock, larger gravel, native plants) for areas exposed to wind to prevent erosion. If you are having issues with erosion, you might need to contact a landscaping specialist for erosion repair services before you call the gravel delivery services to come in and drop off the material.

Maintenance

The advantages of no lawn to mow can quickly be overshadowed if your xeriscape becomes a haven for weeds. Before spraying weed-killer, however, check local requirements for herbicides that work best and are safe for the local environment. Cover the bare soil with landscaping fabric that is water permeable and use garden staples or heavier stones to hold it in place. Layer your gravel or mulch over the fabric making sure it is completely covered. On the other hand, a better option is to use at least 4 inches of mulch. Do not use plastic sheeting under your gravel or mulch: Water will run off, your ground cover will slide around, and you’ll just be adding to future landfill.

Conservation

Consult with a landscaper or local gardening shop for the best plants to add to your xeriscape to conserve water and soil. If plants might require added water during very dry seasons, install a drip-irrigation system that adds water slowly and directly at the plant site. Drip-irrigation reduces waste compared to sprinklers and prevents both overwatering and evaporation.

Alternative Materials

Natural landscaping materials such as mulch and gravel may be enhanced by the use of alternatives such as re-purposed rubber tires for playground areas, recycled concrete and brick for rock garden and retaining walls, and tumbled glass “mulch” to add color to raised beds and decorative pathways.

Compliments of Virtual Results.

In preparation for warmer summer days, spring is the perfect time to have your air conditioner serviced by an air conditioning contractor. With regular service, air conditioning units can continue to function in the most efficient and effective way possible. Neglected units are more costly to run and deliver poorer air-cooling quality that will also lead to an air conditioning replacement or repair. If you need an ac replacement service, don’t delay! Call the Year Round Heating & Air Conditioning team today to schedule your appointment.

DIY air conditioner maintenance

It is always a good practice to do hvac maintenance. Several components of your air conditioning unit are easy for you to maintain. According to the US Department of Energy, the most important item is to check your filter. A dirty or clogged air filter reduces normal airflow. When airflow is reduced, the filter no longer outputs cool air at optimum levels. In addition, the blower may force some air around the filter, so the air entering your rooms may have dust particles, pollens and other allergens that a clean HEPA filter would block.

Some air conditioner filters are reusable and can be removed and rinsed out with a hose. Others require replacement, so you may need to check them more than once during the warm season. You especially may need to replace them after times of high pollen or dust, or if your pet sheds. Some filters are located in the air conditioner unit itself, and some are located in the grates or grills. Filters in room air conditioners typically are located behind the grill that faced the room. Ductless mini-splits work by pulling hot air out of a room in the summer and pulling hot air into a room in the winter. Refrigerant both heats the air in the winter and cools the air in the summer.

Another component that homeowners can easily care for are the coils. As dirt and grime builds up on the coils, they become inefficient at absorbing heat. Clean the evaporator coils, located in the unit, annually through the help of your local heating system installation service.

Check outdoor condenser coils, usually enclosed in a cover with fins, and clean dirt and debris from the fins gently with a broom. Better yet, purchase a fin comb at a local big box retailer or HVAC dealer to clean built-up debris from your air conditioner’s fins. If any of the fins are bent, they can block airflow and reduce your efficiency. The fin comb will straighten bent finds, opening up the airflow. Remove any weed or plant overgrowth from the coil casing. Trim foliage at least 2 feet away so that the condenser has adequate airflow.

We’re heading into the hottest part of the year, so it’s unlikely you’re thinking too much about your home’s heating system. But if you’re house hunting this summer or you need to upgrade to a new system, now is the time to research and understand your options. In fact, you may find that you can get a break on the price of a new heating system or unit if you have it installed in the off-season. There are several types of heating systems available to homeowners and what are the common air conditioning repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

The best ac repair near me explained that if you have a room air conditioner, check the seals that connect to the window to make sure there are no leaks. Use foam window sealing strips to fill in the space so that no warm air enters around the cooled air.

If you have access to your air conditioner’s drain channels, clean them with a stiff wire occasionally to make sure water deposits do not block them and cause excess humidity in your home.

When to call an expert

Call an expert hvac specialist like the ones from Stillwater ac replacement and repair services, who can provide professional ac system repair, if your air conditioning unit makes strange noises, does not cool at all, or cycles too frequently. A certified HVAC technician will inspect wiring, mechanical parts like fans and motors, and test and refill the refrigerant lines.

Servicing your air conditioning system now will insure that your home is comfortable once temperatures hit the 80s.

Compliments of Virtual Results

In the excitement of buying and decorating a new home, remember to plan for the long-term when you start landscaping. With the recent widespread drought problems, installing sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping not only saves water, it means your efforts will survive season to season, saving you both time and money. If you live in a subdivision, you better talk to the property manager if they have an existing HOA landscape maintenance agreement with a contractor to get professional help with your lawn.

What to keep and what to remove

Making your landscaping impervious to drought does not always mean ripping out everything. For example, if you have large trees, do your best to keep them since they supply a shade canopy for your home, conserving energy. In addition, they provide a protective habitat to native birds and other wildlife, and a cover for other plants. For the most drought tolerant option, consider removing your turf grass. A standard lawn requires constant watering to stay green. Replacing just part of your lawn with a rock garden interspersed with native plants and ground cover can reduce your water bill and increase your environmentally responsible footprint. All of this and any other questions you may have can be consulted with a professional residential landscape contractor.

What to plant

For the best results, plant species native to your region. Finding the right plant is not difficult thanks to websites like Plant Native that list regional plants, and the nurseries that can supply you with the right species and give you expert advice state by state. In addition, they provide lists of community service organizations that offer classes and tutorials on local flora. Other places to find information include local universities, plant nurseries and garden shops.

Add ground cover

Removing turf and non-native plants that require consistent watering is just part of the process. Covering exposed ground with lava rock and mulch helps it retain water and reduces erosion. Consider installing ground cloth under your rock and mulch to reduce weed growth and retain additional moisture. According to the University of Ohio, property mulching reduces the soil temperature and adds nutrients to the soil, making existing plants more drought tolerant and less susceptible diseases, or to attacks by insects. You might also want to consider using agricultural lime, which you can get from an agricultural lime supplier.

Try compost

Adding compost to your soil before you mulch increases the likelihood that the rain or irrigation waters absorb into the soil rather than running off. According to the Arboretum and Public Garden at UC Davis, composting is second only to mulching to save water and improve drought survival.

Update your irrigation system

An old or faulty irrigation system wastes precious water and costs money both in increased utility bills and lost landscaping, so buy new irrigation supplies in Perth and have it inspected to be sure it is operating properly. Make sure to water according to the landscaping and soil, including less frequently on clay soils since they store water, and more frequently at smaller amounts for sandy soils. Install modern smart technology controls taht automatically sense rainfall and other conditions, and adjust both the water amount and watering frequency. Consider using a grey-water irrigation system that uses water from your household sinks, tubs, showers and washing machines to water your landscaping. Since this water is not exposed to toilet waste, it generally is beneficial to plant life if combined with biodegradable soap and detergent use.

Proper landscaping increases your home’s value and curb appeal. We can help you find local professionals to advise you on the best drought tolerant ideas for your landscaping.

Compliments of Virtual Results

According to Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), multifamily rent growth should level out to its long-term average performance as interest rates increase. That does not mean that investing in a multifamily property is a bad idea, it just means that the supply and demand conditions are varying by location and adjusting to job growth or stagnation. Since most rental housing demand comes from 25- to 34-year-olds, the FHLMC expects the need for rental property to grow by up to 1.6 million as the employment picture improves.

You do not have to be a high-level investor to participate in the expected rental housing increase. Younger investors, especially those in the under 40 range, might consider purchasing a property and renting out rooms, or buying a duplex, living in one side and renting out the other. While being a landlord has some hazards and pitfalls, having a constant income stream that helps to pay the mortgage, offers some tax advantages and also provides a place to live might be a great start to your real estate investment future.

We can help you locate potential single-family homes with multiple bedrooms to let to students or others, or multi-family properties that might be an excellent investment for you. Location is important since many renters prefer to live nearer to where they work, shop, worship or attend school, while owners often are more willing to live further away in order to afford their mortgage.

Is a Duplex a Good Investment?

Buying a duplex, for example, might take a little more work than a single-family home, but the process is similar. In fact, FHA (the Federal Housing Administration) will loan up to 96.5% of a duplex’s value as long as the owner intends to occupy one of the units for at least a year. The Federal Housing Administration credits the buyer with as much as 75% of the rental income as part of their qualifying income and will finance as much as $347,000 for a two-unit property in some locations.

The most obvious advantage of owning a duplex is help with the mortgage payment via the rental income. In addition, however, duplexes are more affordable than larger apartment complexes, and often cost the same as a single-family home. If you have an elderly parent or adult child, you can rent to them so that family members have privacy, but share in the cost of the family property.

Disadvantages include close proximity to your tenant. If you have a needy tenant, you might find yourself continuously interrupted by a knock on the door. Your rental income is not a guarantee since there is no certainty that you will find a tenant, and when the unit is vacant, you are still responsible for your entire mortgage.

Landlord Responsibilities

Just as in your own home, you are responsible for all of the repairs, electrical panel upgrades as well as upgrades to appliances, maintenance and general upkeep like a new roof install, window cleaning, etc. of either a single-family rental unit or a duplex or multi-family unit. Since most states and counties—and some cities—have specific rules about cleaning, repainting and other costs between tenants, make sure you know the rules and regulations for your location.

So, whether you are looking for a single-family home to rent or a duplex to live in while you rent the second unit, we can help you with the information you need to find the best property for your needs.

The warming days of spring are the perfect time to bring some light and air into your home. Whether you are planning to sell your home now or sometime in the future, having clean bright windows gives a home a whole new look and transform a dull interior into a bright living space. Take the time to get yourself a few good tools and you can make window washing a breeze. Clean your windows when the sun is not shining directly on them since the sun will heat the glass causing your soap’s suds to dry too quickly and streak. So if you have a lot of windows that might take you most of the day, start on the South and West sides and move to the North and East as the day progresses, or choose an overcast day. And if you wish to have replacement windows, then make sure to contact your local window dealers for home window replacement services.

Find a Soft-Bristled Brush

Throughout the winter, windows collect grime and stains from the weather, masonry run-off, fingerprints and even the dog’s inquisitive nose. Instead of wearing yourself out rubbing those stubborn spots with a sponge or rag, get a brush on a telescoping pole so that the tops of the windows are within easy reach.

A Bucket of Soapy Water

For the first step, you’ll want to use warm, soapy water with a detergent that dissolves grease and stains. A good dishwashing liquid will work, but choose one with fewer suds. Remove your window screens to protect them and give you access to your windows. Fill your soft-bristled brush with soapy water and gently rub the glass and frame to loosen debris, grime and stains. For hard-to-remove stains, use a stainless steel scrubbing pad to rub the stain without scratching the glass.

Hose with Sprayer Nozzle to Rinse

You can use a garden hose with a good spray nozzle on the end to rinse the loosened grime and soapy water from your windows. Be careful not to set the spray jet too strong since you might loosen the seals around your window.

Get a Good Squeegee

There’s a reason professional window cleaners use squeegees. If you have picture windows or large single-pane windows, you’ll want a larger squeegee. If your windows have multiple panes, you’ll need a squeegee the size of the smallest pane. Clear water and remaining soap from large windows by dragging your squeegee from the top left or right of your windowpane in an “S” or reverse “S” from top to bottom of your window. After every sweep of the squeegee, wipe the rubber blade with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Natural Chamois or Synthetic?

Professionals use a chamois to wipe off that last bit of water and polish out any remaining streaks. A natural chamois is made of soft sheep leather and has both drying and polishing properties. If a natural chamois is out of your price range, many synthetic chamois or drying clothes will work just fine. Use the chamois on the glass, but dry the sill with a soft cloth.

Clean Your Window Screens Too

While your screens are off the windows, they are easy to clean. Using your warm soapy water and your bristle brush (remove the pole), gently brush screens from both sides. To rinse, spray with water using a medium-strength nozzle and allow to air dry before putting them back up.

Now that your windows are shiny and bright, give us a call and we’ll help you determine your home’s fair market value and get you on the road to a sale.

Sometimes selling a home can feel like a big job – one with a thousand small tasks required to get it done. But many sellers make the job harder by ignoring or avoiding some of the biggest factors that contribute to a faster sale. Use this list to see if your house is truly ready for that “sold” sign.

1) Price is paramount.

With the housing market climbing out of its slump, many sellers are banking on higher sale prices. Just make sure you don’t reach too far when pricing your home, and rely on a good agent to help you find the “sweet spot” for your listing. Go too high and you’ll risk slowing down buyer traffic. And once your home has sat on the market for a long time, buyers automatically become suspicious. Even though your home might look great, buyers will notice the listing’s “time on the market” and naturally wonder “What’s wrong with it?”

2) Tour your home like a buyer.

Thousands of sellers make the mistake of looking around their home with the eyes of someone who knows it well and loves it dearly. But buyers won’t see it that way. So walk through your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time, taking note of everything that might give you pause as a skittish buyer. Never assume that a potential buyer will be able to overlook what you perceive as small flaws in the house.

Stage your home with the help of a professional stager (or a friend who’s great at interior design and organization) to create positive word-of-mouth with Realtors. While you’re staging the house, put away all or most of your family photos and other trinkets that make it “yours.” Your goal is to make it look like a model home so buyers can envision themselves living there. Don’t wait until an Open House is scheduled for your property to do repairs, staging, cleaning such as stone cleaning, and de-personalizing. Do it before your house ever gets listed online. As Realtor.com President Error Samuelson said, “Web appeal is the new curb appeal.” According to a study done by Trulia.com, homes with six photos posted online are twice as likely to be viewed by buyers as homes with fewer than six.

3) Let them in!

Nothing is more frustrating for an agent than a seller who doesn’t want to let potential buyers in to see it. Yes, last-minute requests for showings are a hassle. Yes, it’s a real pain to keep the house clean all the time. Yes, it’s tough to do showings when you have babies or toddlers at home. But the homes that sell fastest are the ones people are able to see quickly and easily. If you have lots of requirements for showings or long wait times, agents are likely to skip your house and go on to the next.

4) Be social.

We live in an increasingly social world, so take advantage of connections by inviting your neighbors to tour your house. It’ll encourage them to spread the word to friends who may be looking for a house in the area. And ask your Facebook friends to help out by sharing a great photo of the house you’ve posted on their timelines. Some sellers even create video “love letters” to their homes and post them on YouTube to endear the home to potential buyers.

With the right price, the right look, accessibility and social connections, you’re well on your way to the “sold” sign you’re working toward.

With many older neighborhoods experiencing revitalization and renovation with the help of a home remodeling contractor, an older home might be a smart investment. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to flip a house for cash, an older home in an established neighborhood might be perfect for you. Here are some things to think about when comparing an older home to a new house.

Location, Location, Location

Urban neighborhoods with older homes often provide easier access to public transportation and easy access to shopping, schools, places of worship and local businesses. Most older neighborhoods have sidewalks, mature trees, and loads of character and charm. Some even have rear alleys, which allow moving driveway and garage access to the rear, and making front yards, sidewalks and boulevards safer for children. New construction tends to be further from shopping and downtown workplaces, and often cannot access buses or trains.

Taxes

There are two types of tax savings you might find in an older neighborhood. The first is a tax beak or tax abatement. Sometimes a municipality uses tax breaks and abatements as an incentive to buyers to move in help revitalize an older neighborhood where empty houses and vacant lots can lead to crime and blight.

Another tax break is freedom from new-construction taxes imposed on new developments to pay for infrastructure such as water and sewer lines, roads and drainage and schools along with other municipal costs.

Property taxes on older homes may seem higher upon first perusal, but taxes on older homes have less chance of massive increases than a newly constructed home. Typically, you pay property taxes in arrears, so you pay on the property assessment from the previous year. Unless you make massive changes to the property such as adding an addition or a second story, your tax rate should remain relatively stable year to year, only rising with a new levy. In new construction, the first year’s taxes may be based on undeveloped land, but at the second year, the full taxation for the house and developed property will kick in and could raise taxes four-fold or more.

Ambiance

Many older homes have the charm of certain eras of construction: Craftsman, Cape Cod, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor or Cottage-style homes often populate very old neighborhoods, while other neighborhoods may sport traditional ranch homes, or “contemporary” styles built in the 1950s through 1970s. If these styles appeal to your personal esthetic, you’ll find an older neighborhood may suit you well. Older homes, ranch-style homes in particular, lend themselves well to additions and upgrades. Check out these ranch remodel photos. In addition, you may find several of these styles all in the same neighborhood, offering a unique eclectic vibe.

New construction, conversely, typically adopts one style (French Country, brick traditional, etc.) with variations on the same theme. While this give a new neighborhood continuity, it doesn’t offer much individuality.

So, if an older neighborhood appeals to you, we can help you find just the right one for you. Give us a call and we’ll get started.

With all of the tools available online and off for finding your new home, you can spend lots of time thinking about the type of house you want, planning how many bedrooms, what type of flooring, what appliances come with the kitchen, and if it has a fireplace. But… before you get that far, perhaps you should stop and consider the neighborhood you want to live in first. You can find the perfect house, but if it is in the wrong neighborhood, it can be like a badly fitting shoe: very stylish, great to look at, but so uncomfortable you rarely want to wear it.

Figure Out What You Want

Start by making a list. In the first section, write down what is important to you now about where you live. If you are single, it might mean access to activities, nightlife, colleges or universities. Determine how long of a commute you prefer, if public transportation is necessary, or if parking is important. For many people, living in the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood means a longer commute, or extra expenses for a vehicle and parking. It may be worth it to you, but make sure you actually consider its impact on your lifestyle.

Do you care if your home is in a walkable area? Check out a potential neighborhood’s walkability. If you prefer easy access to shopping, that eclectic coffee shop or local eateries and other amenities, don’t fall in love with a house in a neighborhood that requires driving to everywhere. You’ll love the house, but won’t spend much time there. On the other hand, if you like a quiet, rural setting away from the noise and bustle of the city, that beautiful old Victorian might not work for you. Older homes tend to be nearer to the center of the city with its accompanying sounds, traffic and narrow streets.

Determine What You Don’t Want

Along with what you desire in your neighborhood, make sure to determine what you won’t or can’t live with. So check out crime statistics, sex offender registries, and search on “noise pollution” and your city’s name to see if your potential neighborhood has noise levels rated. If you work from home and need quiet, make sure to check out potential neighborhoods for daytime noise. If you need quiet to sleep, make sure there are no factories with night shifts, or all-night clubs in earshot.

Plan For the Future

A home purchase isn’t just about what you want today, it is about what you want tomorrow and next month and next year. Living out in the country or on a hillside is great in the summer, but do you want to plow snow from your half-mile long driveway to get to work in the winter? Choosing a hip urban neighborhood is great for today, but what if you have a baby in a year or two? Will late-night music drifting from the local hot spot keep her up all night? Most importantly, you should also be checking the crime statistics of the area you are going to transfer to. Ask yourself if you need to install cctv cameras, security system installation, or security gates for your family’s safety and protection.

Talk to a Professional

We’re here to help you through all these details, so talk to us before you fall in love with that ill-fitting shoe. We’ll show you how to find the one that fits perfectly.