Choosing a new home can be a tricky process, especially when you aren’t sure what the most important thing is to look for when beginning your search. What some new home seekers forget to think about is, in fact, the neighborhood. Where your home is located plays a large role in your happiness as a homeowner, therefore finding the perfect neighborhood should be high on your priority list during the process.

Here are five simple steps to help you find the place of your dreams in the neighborhood where you belong:

Step 1: Profile Your Perfect Neighborhood

Think about what you are really looking for in a neighborhood. What type of lifestyle do you have? Consider making a list and put the “must-haves” at the top at the “would-like to haves” more toward to bottom. In the process of choosing your “must-haves” and “would-like-to-haves,” ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have children or are you planning to have children anytime soon?
• What type of home do you want?
• How far are you willing to commute?
• What is your current community lacking?
• Do you want to be able to go places on foot?
• What don’t you want in a neighborhood?

Step 2: Zero in on the Area

If you are moving within a city you once lived, you may have a good idea of the type of neighborhood(s) that best match your desires. However, if you are moving into a new city, you will need to do some research. Begin your search by choosing a part of town (West Loop, Near West Side, South Loop, Near South Side, etc.) and then narrow down to a few-block radius.

Step 3: Get the Details

With your area of the city in mind, start digging up information. Compile all the background information you can about:

• Schools
• Crime Statistics
• Parks and recreation
• Neighborhood clubs and associations
• Tourist Attractions
• Property Tax

Step 4: Find the Clues

Once you’ve done the background research take a visit to the neighborhoods that scored the highest in your profile. There’s no better way to paint a real picture of what your new life would be like in the neighborhood. Use your senses and weigh out the negative and positive aspects of the neighborhood. Refer back to the above questions to aide you in the process

Step 5: Close the Case — Find the perfect house!

After following steps 1-4, you should have chosen the neighborhood that best suits you. Now comes the time to find a home you love as much as the neighborhood. Here are a few things to consider:

• How much can you afford?
• What are you options in terms of a loan?
• What is your vision of your home?

Park Place Homes has the perfect home for you. Whether you have children, are a newlywed, are a recent college graduate or looking for a home that satisfies a wide range of generations, Park Place Homes has the housing choice for you. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Now is a great time to buy a home, so start looking! Use these 5 simple steps and you will be on your way to a new home in no time.