Are you in the midst of the exhilarating journey of purchasing a new home? As seasoned Realtors®, it’s imperative to provide top-notch guidance to our buyers. However, did you know that there are limitations to what we can divulge about neighborhoods or communities? This is all due to stringent fair housing laws that prioritize equality and prevent any form of discrimination. Learn what we can’t tell you as a realtor when buying a home.
But fear not, savvy homebuyer! While we may not be able to spill the tea on specific neighborhoods, we can certainly equip you with the tools and resources you need to make an informed decision. Before you even think about submitting an offer, it’s essential to dive deep into your research and thoroughly scope out the area you’re eyeing.
Apps That Can Help
To kickstart your detective work and empower you with valuable insights, we’ve curated a handy list of websites that will serve as your trusted companions throughout this exciting process:
NeighborhoodScout: This comprehensive platform is a treasure trove of data on current real estate activity, neighborhood demographics, crime statistics, school information, and forecasts for the local housing market. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the community dynamics and make a well-informed decision.
AreaVibes: Designed with the discerning homebuyer in mind, AreaVibes offers a unique livability score generated by an advanced algorithm. This score considers various characteristics across nine different categories, including nearby amenities, commute times, cost of living, crime rates, employment opportunities, health and safety measures, school quality, housing options, and user ratings. With the livability score calculated out of 100 for each city, neighborhood, or address, you’ll be able to gauge the overall desirability and suitability of the area.
CrimeMapping.com: Safety is paramount when choosing a neighborhood to call home, and CrimeMapping.com provides invaluable insights into local crime trends. This user-friendly platform utilizes police report-tracking services to map out different crimes reported within a neighborhood or city. By visualizing crime hotspots and understanding the types of incidents occurring in the area, you can make an informed assessment of the safety levels and peace of mind offered by your prospective neighborhood.
Armed with these indispensable resources, you’ll embark on your homebuying journey with confidence and clarity. Remember, while we Realtors® are here to guide you every step of the way, nothing beats the power of knowledge and informed decision-making when it comes to finding your dream home. Ready to start your journey? Visit us here to schedule a buyer discovery meeting!