When you’re in the market for a new place to live, finding the right neighborhood is everything. But in our current state, with shelter-in-place orders in full effect in many areas (and mere common sense limiting people's excursions), scoping out a new neighborhood can be a little more challenging. But with some online detective work and the right tools, you can learn a lot about a neighborhood without leaving your home.
That's because you're not the first one to consider buying a home without being able to pound the pavement personally.
“As buyer's agents, we will often shoot video of the neighborhood and/or home for our out-of-area clients,” says Katie Wethman, a real estate agent with the Wethman Group at Keller Williams in McLean, VA. “We also have video streaming apps like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom to bring them with us.”
Even though you won't be able to pop in to a local coffee shop or take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, exploring a neighborhood in the time of coronavirus is possible. So let your fingers do the walking—on your laptop—and get to digging. Here's how to start your research.
1. Check out neighborhood publications and social media2. Take a walk with Google3. Browse websites with neighborhood data4. Search other real estate listings5. Call a real estate agent6. Investigate schools and educational data7. Check rime rates8. Plan your daily commute
To read more in depth views on these 8 great ways to safely learn your new neighborhood, visit Realtor.com
As your real estate professional, the agent's are happy to assist you with finding your future home and share our guidance and insight into the neighborhoods we serve. Contact us at (609)392-0600 or info@sbrrealtypros.com
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