This is the third installment in a series to guide you through buying a home in the Springfield, MO, area. If you missed the first two installments, I'm including the links here:
Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part 1 - Getting PreApproved for a Loan
Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part II - Selecting a Realtor
Now, you're preapproved for a loan, and you've selected your Realtor...what's next? Choosing Your Area/Community. If you're new to the Springfield, MO, area, you're probably unfamiliar with the various communities and areas.
I always recommend spending at least one day with your Realtor driving through the different areas. Get a feel for the different communities in your chosen area. Ask yourself some of the following questions:
- What is the housing market like? What is the average price range for homes in that community? How does that compare with your own price range? Are the home values increasing or decreasing?
- What are the schools like? It is very difficult for your Realtor to help you make a selection regarding school preferences. It is so subjective, and what is important to you may not be as important to someone else. Don't have school-aged children? You need to consider the schools anyway. Remember, you may need to sell this home someday, and school district will definitely be an important factor for another buyer.
- Will this area offer easy access to my work? Check the traffic patterns. Is this community going to offer you quick and easy access to your work? Will you be going with or against the traffic?
- What are the crime rates? Do yourself a favor and research the crime rate in the various communities. Call the local police station, or Google crime rates in the particular area. You can also check demographics and crime rates for individual homes on my website.
- What are the taxes? What is the tax base in the area you're looking in? How does it compare with other communities you're looking in? Your Realtor should be able to tell you the current tax rate of the different communities.
- Does it offer you the amenities that are important to you? Does the community offer you the recreational, retail, or other amenities that are important to you? Do you eat out a lot? Do you work out at a fitness center? Enjoy being involved in community centers? Is there a pharmacy nearby for your prescription needs? Does it offer adequate medical facilities?
Once you've narrowed down your preferred areas and/or community, you'll be able to narrow your home search to your selected areas.
Stay tuned for the next installment -Searching For a Home.
Click Here to Learn About Me and My Background
Click Here to Search for Homes For Sale in the Springfield MO Area
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Lina Robertson Jones
Owner/Agent
RE/MAX Solutions
1715 James River Road
Ozark, MO, 65721 |
Mobile: (417) 844-7265
linarobertson@remax.net
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RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!
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About the author: I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®. I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home. Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings. Want to know what our market is like? My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.
Good Advice for Buyers. They are lucky to have a true local expert like you in your area...this just drives home my point,
All Real Estate is Local...And Your REALTOR Should Be Too!