When searching for a new house, topping most people’s list
of requirements are the number of bedrooms, number and configuration of
bathrooms, square footage, yard size—characteristics that are easy to compare.
Architectural style might be important; asking price, certainly highly
important, although many prospective buyers assume some wiggle room might be
possible.
There are so many facts to consider, particularly when
that new home might include relocating to Charleston, SC, that one extremely
important factor sometimes gets short shrift: the neighborhood.
When I escort my clients on a tour of the properties they
have decided to check out, I’m sure to remind them to observe the surroundings
as well as the home. Some key details to observe about a neighborhood when relocating
to the Charleston area:
Noise levels will
vary by hour and day. If at all possible, visit candidate properties at
different times of day and night to get a feel for the noise level in the
neighborhood. Is there a lot of traffic and honking? Trucks passing by? If so,
does the traffic layout make them hit their brakes or upshift frequently? Is
there a church nearby that fills the street with cars on Sunday? Will that be
okay—or an annoyance? Are there noisy restaurants or pubs that might keep you
up late at night on weekends? When you are relocating to a new area and can’t
visit often, talk to some neighbors: they have the real scoop!
Even if you don’t have kids, it’s important to learn the
reputation of the area’s school district:
it will affect the resale value. Homes in better school districts are more
desirable, and merit higher price tags as a result.
The Internet is a terrific asset when it comes to scoping
out crime maps and reports for specific areas—often with free up-to-the-minute information
and alerts on crime rates. A chat
with neighbors can also help you sense the level of concern—or, ideally, the
lack of it.
As you approach an area, notice whether the road quality
improves or falls off as you get closer. If the streets are crumbling and
filled with potholes, community services
may be suspect. Are the public parks grassy and clean? How handy are the
nearest hospital, fire department and police stations? Before relocating to Charleston,SC, see if you can tell which neighborhoods seem to be on the rise. Any obvious
trend has a good chance of continuing in years to come.
Relocating to Charleston area—even if just from one end of
town to another—is an exciting prospect!
If you’re looking to buy a home in Charleston, SC this spring, it’s time
I got on your radar. Call me today!
Interested in selling your
Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
Interested in buying a Charleston
area home? Visit: www.discovercharlestonareahomes.com
-Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook
Real Estate
Charleston,
SC
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