Looking for a home to move into can become overwhelming, and you may use all your resources to hunt down available properties that align with your personal preferences. However, it can be detrimental if you overlook the home’s location since it’s the only part of the property that can’t be changed. Follow these six tips to find a neighborhood in Bellingham that’s perfect for you.
1. Know what you’re looking for
Knowing why you’re moving and what you want out of an area is important. This will help you focus your search and use your time efficiently. Different types of neighborhoods work for different kinds of people. Make a list when considering an area, and stick to it when searching for other options.
If you’re moving to raise a family, to be closer to work, or retire, those factors will be essential in determining what kind of neighborhood you want. If you’re raising a family, you’ll want to research the nearby schools and ensure the neighborhood environment is compatible with outdoor play. Also, consider your preferences, like if you prefer living in a more rural, suburban, or urban setting.
2. Consider the neighborhood logistics
Once you’ve compiled a list of requirements for a good neighborhood in Bellingham for you, research the area for financial logistics like property values and taxes. Even if these factors don’t impact your neighborhood search, it’s always important to know how your future taxes will differ from your current ones and if the property taxes in the area are projected to change soon.
It’s also important to be mindful of property values so you can make a good investment. You never know what unforeseen obstacles may arise, so it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. While crunching numbers, check the cost of living in the neighborhood area compared to the area you currently live in. This will help you plan for changes or adjustments.
3. Make the internet your best friend
Before checking out a neighborhood in person, there’s plenty you can learn about an area by typing in an area’s name or the home’s address into an online search engine. For basic information about the types of neighborhoods you’re searching for, NeighborhoodScout is a good place to start. Even typing in a home’s address into Google Maps can be an effective way to see what’s around the area.
You can also look for online communities that are local to the neighborhood you’re interested in. This is an excellent way to understand the pros and cons of living in an area directly from its residents. Different review sites of neighborhoods by people who live in the area can also help you understand what the neighborhood offers. Even if you aren’t moving to raise a family, searching the school district that serves the community can help indicate home values and the number of potential buyers you’ll compete with.
4. Don’t forget the groundwork
Once you’ve learned all that you can online, make an in-person visit to the neighborhoods you’re interested in. If possible, try and visit at different times of the day to evaluate if it’s a good neighborhood in Bellingham for you. A neighborhood may be calm during a late morning showing but loud on the weekends or busy during rush hour. Note who your future neighbors will be, whether that be retired people, couples with families, or a mix of all ages.
If there’s somebody out walking or in their front yard, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask them questions about living in the neighborhood. They’re likely to share information you can’t find online or that your real estate agent can’t provide. Friendly neighbors usually indicate the types of neighborhoods you’d want to move into.
When you’ve assessed the neighborhood itself, make a note of how close or far the neighborhood is from areas you’ll have to visit often, like grocery stores, activity and entertainment centers, and restaurants. Research how far away essential services like hospitals, auto repair shops, vets, and doctors are from the neighborhood. Most importantly, factor in your commute time and make sure you’re willing to make the drive, no matter how long or short it may be.
5. Understand the value of a real estate agent
It can be challenging to figure out where to begin your search, and once you start, the amount of information to sort through can be overwhelming and time-consuming. A real estate agent’s job requires a deep knowledge of the area, making them a valuable resource when looking for neighborhoods to live in. They’ll know the local market and what areas provide the amenities and type of environment ideal for you. If you already have a few neighborhoods picked out, they’ll know additional regions to show you that are similar to your selections.
6. Research the neighborhood’s future
Moving into a new neighborhood is a long-term investment, so it’s essential to research the neighborhood’s future to ensure it aligns with your own goals and needs. Look for a city’s future plans at the local Chamber of Commerce or the City Hall. This will inform you about future home building or street construction around your home that may increase the amount of traffic, the noise level, or obstruct a view you loved. Knowing about future development plans can also prepare you for a possible change in your home’s value.
Ready to begin your neighborhood search?
With these six tips, you’re more than ready to begin searching for your perfect Bellingham neighborhood. For help finding the home that best suits your needs, contact the Buse Agency to guide you through the process.
