Handy Homeowners Tips:

Checking out the services available to the property you are considering, is essential. Ask specific questions of the proper authorities and accept only specified answers.

• Daycare, Preschool - are they nearby? What types of programs do they offer? Will be there a place for your child? Which days and what times are available? What are the costs?
  
• Public Transportation - is a bus or some other public transportation available? Where are bus stops located? How frequent is the service? Obtain a transportation map so you can determine the routes you may be using.
  
• Recreational Facilities - will you be allowed to use recreational facilities in the area? Is there a public recreation facility nearby? Are special memberships required? Where are parks located and what facilities do they have?
  
• Hospital and Medical Services - where is the nearest hospital? Are emergency medical facilities close by?
  
• Police and Fire Protection - how available are police, fire and emergency services? Is the protection adequate?
  
• Will a neighbourhood watch program protect your home? Does the area have access to a 911 or other emergency telephone number?
  
• Television Reception - is TV reception adequate? Is cable TV available for those who want? Are there restrictions on antennae? Can you have your own TV dish?
  
• Postal Service - will mail be delivered to the front porch, to the front curb or to community mailboxes at the end of the road? Will mail be delivered daily? Where is the nearest facility to mail packages, buy stamps, etc.?
  
• Trash Collection - is a commercial garbage collection service available, or will you have to haul and dispose of your own trash? If dumpsters are provided, where are they located?
  
• Street Maintenance and Parking - are the roads properly maintained? Will community or county crews plow the roads and keep them open in the winter? Will it be your responsibility to maintain any part of the roads? Is it a law that sidewalks be shovelled? What are the parking restrictions, weekdays, weekends and in emergencies? Can you park directly in front of your home?
  
• Water and Sewer - are water and sewer facilities adequate? Are there water restrictions?
  
• Property Taxes - what are the property taxes now and what are they expected to be? Is a general tax increase expected?
  
• Special Assessments - are special assessments anticipated?
  
• Zoning Changes and New Construction - have there been any recent zoning changes? Are zoning changes anticipated? Is new construction planned that will change the appearance of or the traffic flow through the neighbourhood?
  
  What is the single most important consideration to keep in mind when house hunting? In the real estate business, it is said that three things count in establishing property value:
  location, location, and location.
  Houses may be updated, renovated, and improved, but neighbourhoods and communities tend to retain their basic character and market value over periods of time.