Beyond the basics, what should I look for in a new community?

Clothesline Each transferee family has "givens" in their housing needs, such as a home in a certain price range, with a certain number of rooms and in a certain style.

Beyond such givens, the lifestyles and special needs of the transferee and family also shape their home buying decision. For example:
  • An elderly parent needs a daycare center close by.
  • An accomplished diver needs an Olympic competition diving pool.
  • A speech-impaired child needs access to reputable speech pathologists.
  • An adult working on an advanced degree needs to be near a university with the appropriate curriculum.
  • Working parents need access to quality, affordable daycare for their young children.
  • Church-going families need a suitable congregation that is nearby.
It takes a keen knowledge of the area to pinpoint the homes that supply the "givens" and also meet your "must haves." We do it every day, and we are at your service. Call or e-mail us now to help you.

 

We may be transferred again. What is the single most important suggestion you can give us?

Couple with sold sign There are so many details to consider in choosing a new home - style, size, price, location.

But for transferees likely to move again in a few years - whether another transfer or to a larger home - there is one crucial secret: Buy with selling in mind. Chances are, the same things that make a home comfortable now will attract others when you sell.
    Special considerations for the short-term homeowner include:
  • Neighborhood

    • Look for an established neighborhood that will be enhanced by future growth but not inconvenienced by it.
  • Transportation

    • Consider availability of all forms of transportation, even those you may not use.
  • Schools

    • Check for quality public schools, whether or not you have school-age children.
  • Property

    • Look carefully at the lot for trees and greenery to buffer winter winds or summer heat and consider how much privacy the house and lot provide.
  • Parking

    • See if ample guest parking is available.
  • Commute

    • Check morning and afternoon drive times to work, schools, shopping, church.
  • Financing

    • Shop for financing that delivers the lowest cost in the first 2-4 years, such as adjustable mortgages.
  • Specialists

    • Choose a real estate agent that specializes in relocation and is trained to help transferees find the kind of home that will be in demand in the future.

 

What should we look for in choosing a quality school?

School desk Test scores and statistics offer only one small measure of an effective educational process. Here are five indicators of a good school:
  • Parent involvement

    • Parents volunteer in the classrooms, on curriculum committees, on the PTA and at fund-raisers.
  • Teacher enthusiasm

    • Teachers go the extra mile, depend on experience but aren't afraid to try a new approach, respond to students individually and work to meet their needs. A good teacher nurtures a love of learning in her classroom every day.
  • High standards

    • Children are expected to work to their highest potential and are given the help they need to reach it.
  • Community support

    • Schools have the political and financial backing of everyone, and have business "partners" who provide added money and opportunities for students.
  • Innovative administrators

    • Schools combine the best of the old ways with newer materials and methods to help all children succeed.

     

    When looking for a community what are some advantages of buying a used house?

    Old tv Although many people prefer to buy new homes, the vast majority of buyers prefer resales. According to the National Association of Realtors, 75% of homes sold are resales.

    When transferees ask us about the merits of buying an "old" versus a newly-built home, we show them how resales offer some of the best values in the market today. The news gets better when they see the wonderfully diverse resale selection of appealing styles and sizes in may locations and price ranges. Plus, when the transferee goes to sell an "old" home they’ve got what most buyers are looking for.
      Here are some of the advantages that make "old" homes so popular:
    • Size appeal

      • Older homes often have more space inside and out than new homes. Inside, resale homes may have more square footage and higher ceilings; outside, resale lot sizes are typically larger.
    • Close-in convenience

      • Many resale homes are in older neighborhoods, which are closer to downtown business districts and shopping. New communities are often a distance away from cities and commute times may be much longer.
    • Cost savings

      • Resale homes generally are less expensive than similar new homes. One reason could be resale sellers have more bargaining room than builders who have to make a return on the high costs they recently paid for land and building materials. In fact, a 1991 NAR study found resale sellers accepted a median drop of $4,000 from their asking price while builders' median drop was only $500.
    • More green space

      • For tree lovers, resales are a big draw. Older homes typically have mature trees and plantings, unlike what's found in new neighborhoods.
    • What you see is what you get

      • There is no guesswork with older, established neighborhoods. Transferees can research and tour the schools, sample the shopping, and check out the neighbors. In a new home subdivision, buyers might not want to live with the noise and dirt of construction, wonder about future development, or deal with possible long bus rides to existing schools and little or no nearby shopping.
    • Lots of extras

      • Many resale buyers cash in on "extras" the owner has already put in which can save big money. Typical money-saving extras: fenced yards, decks, pools, play sets, window treatments and appliances.
    We would be happy to assist you with your house-hunting needs. A resale home can be an excellent value for a transferee in today’s market. Call or e-mail for more information or click on "Ask Your Own Questions."


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