Finding real estate is about more than just the house. Every neighborhood offers a unique sense of community, events, and other offerings. Many factors may influence your decision to purchase a property. Below are neighborhood selection advice for St Augustine real estate buyers.

What to Look Into

School Zones

Every St Augustine neighborhood falls into a particular school district, and each can vary in ranking. Find the school district boundaries prior to selecting a home. School rankings can normally be pulled up online. You may also want to contact schools directly for up to date information or to schedule a visit.

Real Estate Market Trends

Real estate is all about location, location, location. Compare the property values in the particular St Augustine neighborhood as it may vary from others and from the general city. Average selling price, number of properties sold, and average days on market can give you an indication of how desirable a neighborhood is and how quickly homes there moves. A local St Augustine real estate broker can give you this data. Evaluate not only figures for this year but also for previous years.

Neighborhood Features

Take the time to tour a neighborhood prior to submitting an offer on a home. Find the local amenities such as recreational areas and restaurants. Return at different times of day to catch traffic patterns. Review the characteristics of neighboring houses. Look up local crime rates online and by contacting the local police department. Chat with neighbors as they often offer information not posted on public sources. All of this will help you get a better picture of the area prior to making an investment in a home.

Understanding Any Restrictions

Pull the deed and other records for a property and look for any covenants, restrictions, and fees. If you have specific renovations for the house, check for rules specific to those plans. If in a subdivision with private roads or shared features, inquire about monthly fees and how often they may change.

Potential Changes

Research St Augustine and the particular neighborhood using public resources. This will uncover any recent news or public records. Look specifically for any contested changes or other news that may affect the quality of life. People in the community can also be a great source of information.

More Neighborhood Selection Advice For St Augustine Real Estate Buyers

Buying real estate is a important investment. Understanding the items above will better educate you on that investment. Connect with a local St Augustine real estate professional for advice on different neighborhoods and for more neighborhood selection advice for St Augustine real estate buyers. Using the services of a real estate professional can also make the home buying process less cumbersome. This information was prepared by Marjorie Taylor at VIP Staging.