Helena Talbot's blog - Top 5 Ways to Find the Right Neighborhood for Your Family

When making the decision to move your family, it's imperative that you find a neighborhood that best suits your family's lifestyle, needs and wants. Researching a new neighborhood before getting too far into the home-search process is critical to making the right choice. Talk to a local real estate professional and keep the following five considerations from relocation.com in mind while scoping out new locations: 

1. Keep your eyes peeled. Observing the neighborhood at various times of the day is a good way to get a feel for the overall vibe of the neighborhood. Be sure to visit at night as well as during the day. Pay attention to things like noise, traffic and parking. Though these may not be the first things you would think about when visiting, they will be highly important to you should you decide to move there.

2. Research the local hospitals. How far away will your potential new home be from a hospital? Is that particular hospital well established? Conducting some online research about the hospital's reputation is a good idea as well, especially for families with ailing members.

3. Check up on the school system. For those with - or planning to have - children, the school system should be one of the top areas of concern when considering a move. School ratings can be viewed online, along with various forums of parental commentary. What are others saying about the town's teachers, education, after school programs, etc.? If you can, ask others in your neighborhood about the schools, as their personal feedback speaks volumes more than an online report. 

4. Research crime rates. Crime rates in a town or city are a large concern for many new homeowners. Visit the local parks both during the day and at night. How safe do they appear? What sort of police presence do you observe around town?

5. Dive deep into local amenities and public transportation. Convenience can be a make-or-break factor for a particular neighborhood, especially if you're relying on public transportation to get to work or schools. What kinds of stores are in the neighborhood and do the store hours match your lifestyle?  Look into schedules and routes for busses, trains or taxis, if necessary.

A successful move doesn't solely depend on the property you purchase. To increase your family's chances of happily settling into your new home, do your due dilligence on the neighborhoods and communities you are considering. A professional real estate agent will also have a wealth of local expertise to tap into, so select the right person to work with. The more you know, the better home choice you'll make.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales

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For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.