Homebuyer's E-Guide
Location Checklist
By Jack Harris and Mark Baumann

Here are several key considerations helpful in selecting a neighborhood. You can print out a copy to use with your search.

* How close will you be to your place of employment?
* How close to your favorite stores?
* How close to your place of worship?
* How close to friends and relatives you routinely visit?
* How close to your or your children’s school?
* How close to parks and recreational areas?
* How close to medical services?
* How long will it take you to get to your job?
* Is there ready access to public transportation?
* How easy will it be for your children to get to school?
* How good are the schools in the area?
* Can you choose which school your children will attend?
* Are a full array of municipal services available?
* What is the effective tax rate for the area? (Effective tax rate equals annual tax bill divided by the value of the home).
* Are there other fees and user charges for public services?
* Is the neighborhood generally clean?
* Are streets and other public facilities well maintained?
* Are homes in the area well kept?
* Do homeowners seem to care about the appearance of their property?
* Does the neighborhood have any high-crime areas?
* Do homes in the neighborhood generally have the features you desire?
* Is the neighborhood well regarded by those familiar with the city?
* Are there neighborhood organizations interested in improving the area?
* Is there a homeowner's association that you must join if you buy a home in the area?
* Are there deed restrictions? What are they? Are they enforced?


Dr. Harris is a research economist and Baumann is an associate research social scientist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

Source: Real Estate Center at Texas A&M