​You wouldn’t pick out shoes before choosing an outfit, right? Or buy car accessories without first deciding if you want a truck or a sedan?

Well, house hunting should be treated the same way.

You shouldn’t search for a dream home without vetting neighborhoods or experiencing the new area for yourself. 

If the area doesn’t meet your needs, the property may not provide a dream scenario. So how do you make sure you’ve found the right neighborhood? Keep these details in mind:

Cost of Living
Are the property taxes and HOA fees trending upward? Are there mostly trendy boutiques and high-end businesses in the area, or does it have a good mix of local and national retailers?

Planned commercial development could affect the long-term affordability of the area. However, having more access to retailers and entertainment could enhance your lifestyle.

Commutes and Social Life
How close do you want to be to the friends and family you visit the most? How far are you willing to drive to get to the restaurants, theaters or stores that you frequent?
It’s understandable to prioritize your work commute, but keep in mind the other places you visit on a daily or weekly basis.

Long-Term Goals
How does the community fit into your future goals? Are there good schools, parks or sports leagues for your family?

A thriving community adds to your quality of life. And it’s a good sign for future home values.

Want to try before you buy? Where possible, consider renting a unit in the area for a few days through a short-term rental site. Experiencing the neighborhood like a resident can help you to decide if it fits your current and future needs.
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Are you looking for a new home? Get in touch if you’d like to see a neighborhood report.

Want to take the pain out of homebuying? Keep your lifestyle priorities top of mind.
If you’re planning to buy a new home, there’s great news: More houses have hit the market in recent months. This means you’ve got more options to choose from.
Choice is always good, but it can also be overwhelming.
The key? Careful, disciplined prioritization. 
Let’s go beyond square footage or the number of bedrooms and consider how the property fits your life. By focusing on what matters the most to you, we can refine your search to the closest matches. 
Here are the three questions every potential homebuyer should ask themselves: 
Where do you want to live?
Think beyond your commute. Do you want to be in a specific school district? How much street noise can you cope with? 
Are you looking for an established neighborhood or one that’s up and coming? That could affect future home values.
What does the future hold?
Think about the next 10 years. Are you planning to have kids? Will your aging parents move in? 
If you plan to stay for the long haul, you might want a property to accommodate your family today, and in the future. If you know your career will have you on the move, will you want to sell the property or rent it out?
How much work are you willing to do?
When considering condition, be honest with yourself. How much work are you truly willing to take on? 
If the home needs cosmetic updates, will you want them completed before you move in? If you fall for a fixer-upper, do you have a budget for renovations?
Communication is a critical element of your home search. The more information you share, the better we’re able to match you with a home that fits your life.
Got your priorities in order? Let’s find your dream home. Reach out today.
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 FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS 
Owning a Home Is Better Than Renting
Buying and renting each come with a distinct list of pros and cons. But data suggests that homeownership provides greater financial stability and potential for financial growth.

Spring 2019 Market Trends Report
Home price growth is at its lowest rate since 2012 and housing inventory is steadily increasing. How will that affect your decision to buy or sell? Reach out to discuss your options this spring.
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 LUXURY MARKET 
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Interior design is about more than creating attractive photos for social media. Today's designers are constantly working to create more affordable and sustainable home furnishing solutions.

5 Tips for Interior Design Visualization
Are you indecisive when it comes to redecorating? Or do you just have difficulty visualizing what the finished space will look like? Here are tips for creating a game plan that works for you.

Thanks for reading my newsletters, I look forward to connecting soon!

Pamela Strike Fullerton | The Highland Partners
REALTOR®
pamela@thehighlandpartners.com
342 Highland Avenue
Piedmont, CA 94611
Mobile: (510) 506-9197
Office: (510) 428-0900
CalBRE#01987942

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