Choosing the right neighborhood

For first-time homebuyers, people new to the area, or even Craig natives, deciding which neighborhood to live in can be tough.

A few helpful hints, however, can make this decision easier, and can help potential homebuyers quickly find the neighborhood that's best for them, making it more likely that they'll be happy with the home they choose.

The first factor to consider is price range.

Another factor buyers should think about in the beginning is whether they want to build their own home or buy an existing home. If they decide to build a home, the next decisions include what size and style of house they want, as well as how large of a lot they'll need. The decision to buy an existing home means buyers should consider whether they want a new, modern home or an older home or a fixer-upper.

After figuring out how much they can spend for a home and whether they want to build their own home, buyers should make a list of what features are most important.

One important factor is location. Living downtown could mean being able to walk a few blocks to work. Subdivisions that are further away from town could provide the solitude and privacy and larger lots that are important to some buyers, but could also mean a longer commute to get groceries or to get to work.

Thinking carefully about location can help potential buyers narrow down their list of possible homes to buy before they even start looking.

Another important factor is the character of the neighborhood. A good way to get a feel for a neighborhood's personality is to talk with the people who live there, and ask what they like about the neighborhood and what they don't like about it.

How much utilities in the neighborhood cost, as well as what sort of growth is projected for the neighborhood are both important for making an informed decision. Buyers should also research what whether property values in the neighborhood have been rising or falling or staying about the same over the last few years.

Buyers also need to ask themselves whether they want paved streets or gravel roads, whether they mind being on well and septic, what sort of landscape they want to live in, how close they want to be to their neighbors, and what sort of amenities they want to have out their back doors.

The decision ultimately comes down to tradeoffs. It's nearly impossible for a buyer to get exactly everything that he or she wants in a single home. For instance, a lot of buyers come saying they want a home with a killer view, nice trees and a stream. But, interestingly enough, it's hard to get all three of those features together. Homes at higher elevations mean a better view, but no stream. Homes with trees mean less of a view.

The next step, once buyers make a list of what they want, is to get in touch with a local broker who can help show them around the area.

Then, buyers should look at a lot of homes and take their time in making a decision.