Excerpt taken from the April issue of the Inside Gwinnett

Now that spring is here, many people have the bug, the home-buying bug! With a little planning anyone anyone can make a wise decision buying.

You may think the most critical issue in your next purchase is the home itself. While that tip is priority, you have many other considerations that will make your next move the right move. Here are a few things to consider when searching for that perfect community for you:

  • Know your schools - Whether you have school age children or not, good schools means a great investment. Check school test scores on the Internet and ask about future zoning issues.
  • Know your location - Drive to work during rush hour from the areas you are most interested in. Consider your priorities. What would an additional hour at home mean to you or would you love that travel time if ti meant the perfect home?
  • Know your neighborhood - Before you zero in on the perfect home you should get to know the neighborhood. Drive around. Is pride of ownership evident in the community? Talk to the neighbors. Do you want a Brady Bunch neighborhood or a Friends neighborhood?
  • Know your passions - Do you love to fish? Is tennis your passion? What is your most important need in a community? Is it shopping or easy access to major highways? Do you love to walk? Do you want low maintenance or do you crave a large private lot?
  • Know your surroundings - One of the scariest things is to buy next to vacant land. How is it zoned? Can something be built behind you? If so, what would it be? Are you surrounded by lower priced homes or higher priced homes? These will all impact your future values!