As children head back to school this fall - whether it be to traditional classrooms or to virtual ones - the extra-long spring and summer vacation has finally come to a close. Gradually, our beloved daily routines are returning and how great does that feel? It's a "new" normal, for sure, but at least we're moving in the right direction.
With more stability in our lives again, some of us are eager to start one of life's greatest adventures - finding a new place to call home. When you imagine your ideal surroundings, which comes to mind first - the house or the neighborhood?
To begin this quest, you must identify the basic requirements on your wish list. Are you more of a single-family home, townhouse, condo or villa person? How many bedrooms or baths do you prefer? What about the desired square footage? Do you have a specific floorplan or architectural style in mind? Will your new neighborhood have deed restrictions, rules and regulations, or none at all?
So many questions, but you have all the answers! The one choice that could prove most challenging, however, may be where your new home will be located. With so many wonderful neighborhoods in Sarasota and Manatee counties, how do you possibly decide?
That's where I can help! Not only have I lived in this area for nearly three decades working in both the interior design and real estate fields, but I have also visited many (if not most) of the neighborhoods and can offer both factual data and personal observations to assist in your choice.
Here are four of my favorite tips to see if a particular area is right for you:
1. Check out the basic stats.
What is the median sale price of a home in a given neighborhood? How do the nearby public, private and charter schools perform? What amenities are in the vicinity? How desirable is the neighborhood in today's market? I can provide all of these statistics and more to help you make an informed and wise decision.
2. See what the neighbors are doing.
Jump into your car and go for a drive. Explore many different communities to get a greater sense of how they compare. Are the homes and lawns well-maintained? Do you see people outside walking, biking and children playing or do most residents keep to themselves? In your dreams, do you envision a golf course, tennis court or a boat dock behind your house, or at least available for use? That narrows your choices and may add additional homeowner's fees. If the neighborhood that appeals to you is in a gated community with restricted access, please give me a call and I will arrange to take you for a look inside.
3. Learn the traffic patterns.
Knowing that you're close to a highway or public transportation is a key factor for many working homebuyers, but traffic noise is also a consideration for most of us. Also, are there traffic jams into or out of your neighborhood at key commuting times? If living on one of our Keys attracts you, be sure to plan a trip on and off the island during "season" to make sure the additional travel time vibes with your laid-back lifestyle.
4. Look at the bigger picture.
Now that you've zeroed in on a few possibilities, be sure to familiarize yourself with the surrounding retail establishments, restaurants, parks and beaches. Will you have to drive an hour to your favorite pizza place, change your children's schools or find new doctors? Will you miss those spur-of-the-moment beach walks if you move to a golf community east of I-75? Will you still be able to get together frequently with family and friends? Life is about choices and house-hunting is all about priorities.
Buying or selling your home is one of the most important decisions of your lifetime...and also one of the most rewarding! When you're ready to get started, please give me a call and I will do my best to make the adventure simple and fun for all of us!