How to get the most for your home - Part 1 Buying right!

For most of us, the most important purchase we will ever make is our home. So it pays to invest a little time and research in buying the right home, in the right neighbourhood, and even in the right position on the street. All these factors can make a huge difference and also have an enormous impact on the resale value once you are ready to move on.

So lets take a minute to have a look at these points and explore the critical indicators in buying the perfect home, in the best neighbourhood with the absolute top resale value. The phrase location, location, location, was not thought up by accident believe me.

The right neighbourhood is absolutely critical. If you have lived in the area for a long time then you probably know where to and where not to buy. However, if you are moving from out of the area or even from out of the Country then you will, understandably be in the dark when it comes to these things. Of course, you can do your own research. Drive around the neighborhoods, not only in daylight but also after dark. Does it look/feel safe? Trust your instincts, if you don't feel comfortable then don't go there. The local police are also a good source of information and will be able to give you crime rate statistics which will be a major help in making such a big decision. However, your best bet is to just use the experts. Find an experienced Real Estate agent who knows the area well. He/She will be a wealth of useful information and be able to keep you away from the "dodgy" bits, as one of my clients recently called them. Every Town & City has it's most desirable areas, the Agent will know these. Look there first.

Avoid corner lots. Yes they may be slighter larger and they may face onto two streets, but realistically all this actually means is that there is more lawn to mow, and more snow to shovel. In my experience, corner lots are the least popular and alot harder to resell. They tend to be busy with traffic and pedestrians and often afford less privacy. Look for something with privacy off the beaten track, you will be pleased in the long run that you did.

What does the house back onto? You really don't want to be right behind a Plaza with a 24 hour supermarket for instance, or a nightclub. Always be aware of what is at the end of the yard. The best outcome is a park, conservation area or a ravine. Living behind a cemetery would also be very peaceful, unless of course you are superstitious, then probably not. You will always be looking out for things that go bump in the night. Not conducive to a good nights sleep.

Don't go for the biggest most expensive house either. Yes, your house will be grander than everyone Else's, and it will most definitely increase the value of your neighbours homes, but it will do absolutely nothing for yours, and also make it way harder to sell when the time comes. Choose something smaller. It is better to have a smaller house in the best neighbourhood, where people are lining up to live, than the "Castle" at the end of the road that no one can afford.

If you follow all these points, then you will have a lovely home in a fantastic neighbourhood, and worth a small resale fortune.

Check in next time to learn what to look for in the interior of your dream home.

Happy House Hunting..................................................................