“Neighborhoods have personalities, and finding one that’s right for you can be as difficult as finding the perfect home,” explains Elliot Koolik. “We know that a house is a building, but it is your community that will establish your new social life, your children’s playmates, your hobbies and activities of interest, and all of the services available to you and/or your family.”
Wendy Koolik adds, “People want to feel as comfortable in their neighborhoods as they do in their homes. They like to know they’ll be welcome and safe from the day they move in – and for years to come.”
Here are some of the basics the Kooliks suggest you look at when you’re choosing your new neighborhood:
- Proximity to work centers, highways, public transportation and other transit options.
- Access to basic services like grocery stores, restaurants, post offices and cleaners.
- Proximity and quality of hospitals and medical centers.
- Proximity to parks and recreation facilities, especially for families with children.
Wendy Koolik also advises home-seekers to choose an agent who concentrates on specific neighborhoods. “He or she can provide good information about the inner workings of the community, neighborhood events and the overall personality of the area,” she explains.
Here are some other important factors to investigate:
Appearance
Drive around or take a walk through the neighborhood. Note the general upkeep. Well-kept, tidy yards show a pride of ownership that affects property values.
Schools
For families with young children, a good school district is essential. Local schools report how much is spent per child and test scores also should be readily available.
Transportation and Amenities
Time your commute to know how long – not just how far – it is to work. How close are the highways? What about parks and recreational facilities? What about the closest grocery store, bank or post office?
Property Values
Check recent sales for homes in the neighborhood. Ask how much property taxes have increased. Your real estate agent should have this information at his or her fingertips.
Utilities
Learn what utility costs are by asking your real estate agent or by calling the water, gas, cable and electric companies for rates. Utilities can add substantially to the monthly cost of a home.
Elliot Koolik offers this final tip. “Spend time in the community at different times of night and day. Visit local stores and restaurants, check out nearby attractions and pick up the local paper. And, the absolute best way to get the feel of a neighborhood is by talking to its residents. Don’t be shy about speaking to your future neighbors. Remember, they were once the new kids on the block!”
About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are a recognized leader in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach.
Wendy and Elliot Koolik are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.
For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot Koolik by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com or by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com.
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