The “3-Visit Rule” (Read this before you make an offer)

Most people fall in love with a home on a quiet Saturday afternoon when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping. It’s easy to get swept up in the crown molding and the backyard view—but you aren’t just buying a house; you’re buying a neighborhood.

Before you sign that offer, we recommend performing a “Neighborhood Stress Test.”

To really know what life will be like in that house, you need to see it when it’s not on its best behavior. Try to drive by at these three specific times:

• Tuesday at 8:00 AM: Check the “Commute Chaos.” Is the street a peaceful residential road, or has it become a high-speed shortcut for morning commuters?
• Friday at 7:00 PM: Check the “Vibe.” Are the neighbors out having loud parties? Is street parking impossible because everyone has guests over? This is when the true personality of the block comes out.
• The Next Big Rainstorm: Check the “Drainage.” Does the front yard turn into a swamp? Do the gutters look like they’re struggling? It’s much better to see a drainage issue now than after you’ve moved in.

Buying a home is a huge investment, and we want to make sure the “dream” stays a dream after moving day.

Are you currently eyeing a specific neighborhood or property? We’d love to pull the data on it for you so you have the full picture.