Finding the right neighbourhood to live in is a universal concern when deciding where to buy your next home. Whether you have a young family, are retired, or if you are single, it is likely a priority on your house-hunting wish-list.
REALTORS® can help a lot to identify neighbourhoods that suit your needs because they work and visit these communities daily. They may have clients, or colleagues with clients, that live down the street and know personal accounts of what the community is like, as well as their own first-hand knowledge.
While nothing can replace getting a sense of community directly from people who live and work in it, there are interesting websites and applications that can also help. But, it is not just important for potential buyers to take note of these tools; it is also valuable for sellers.
Many of these applications describe your neighbourhood and different aspects about it. Sellers should ask their REALTOR® what sites are currently most popular and contribute to it. What you say on these sites could help a potential buyer to better know and understand your neighbourhood. You can also identify and correct falsehoods about your ‘hood.’
Check out these great sites to find out more about the reputation of the place you live, or the place you want to live. Talk to a REALTOR® to find out more!
4sqmap.com — It’s always good to know if your next favourite diner or coffee shop will be as good (or perhaps better) than the last. Read reviews from real customers about surrounding amenities on this fun website.
Sellers: Show some love for your local businesses, so prospective buyers will know!
Buyers: Know your surroundings and what other customers have to say about it!
Walkscore.com — There has never been a more important time to consider your commute than when a public transit strike is on. Walk Score is a great tool that evaluates neighbourhoods based on "walkability" and more.
Sellers: Research your own neighbourhood up to make sure it is rated accurately and fairly.
Buyers: See what "hot spots" are all within walking distance.
Twitter.com — Yes, Twitter. Following topics on twitter (Hootsuite and Tweetdeck are good resources here) will allow you to get a play by play of what is going on in a community.
Sellers: Participate in bragging about community events.
Buyers: Find out more on community groups, prospective schools and even on-the-street happenings.
The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® represents more than 1,700 brokers, salespeople and affiliate members throughout the province. REALTOR® is a trademark, which identifies real estate professionals who are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association and, as such, subscribe to a high standard of professional service and a strict code of ethics.
