Finding YOUR Ideal Neighborhood

For most first-time homebuyers, choosing a neighborhood is the most difficult part of the decision to buy a home. The first thing you should do when buying a home in St. Louis is to prioritize various neighborhood features, then start looking for homes in areas that match most of your criteria. Consider these factors: Transportation - Are you close to Metrolink? What is the length of your commute to work from your neighborhoods of choice? Do streets get clogged at rush hour? In a consumer study, 79% of respondents said that a top priority in deciding where to live is having a commute time under 45 minutes. 75% also wanted easy access to highways. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day and night and talk to as many local residents as possible. Are there place of interest nearby... yes, like Starbucks for starters! You'll also want to consider nearby schools, restaurants, places of worship, parks, etc. 72% of survey respondents ranked sidewalks and places to walk as a top priority when considering where to live. Once you've prioritized all your neighborhood amenities and features, you'll find it's much easier to focus your home search. Remember, the neighborhood is usually as important to the value of a home as the size and structure of the home. For more information about buying your first home and to receive the latest MLS real estate listings, please contact me by e-mail at: jeff@naertrealty.com. Or call me direct at: 314-913-9771. Also, visit my other blog: St. Louis Hills Living.