How to Choose a Neighborhood in Brantford

When searching for that next place to call home in Brantford, there is more to think about than just the price and condition of the house (a lot more). One huge factor in home searching is one that goes unnoticed far too often: the neighborhood. When it comes to the house, you might be spot on. But you are risking your happiness and comfort if the neighborhood doesn’t fit. You know what they say, location, location, location. This goes beyond the zip code, and boils down to the exact location of the neighborhood itself.

As your Brantford real estate agent, I am here not only to help you find the home of your dreams, but the neighborhood, as well.  A neighborhood should fit your personality and lifestyle, and also entertain your needs when it comes to your overall quality of life. Whether you’re well into your home search or just starting, it’s never too late to backtrack and consider what really matters.

So how do you find the right neighborhood? It’s easy. Become a bit of a detective. Decide what you are looking for, do some research and find the neighborhood that fits your description. With that said, consider these five crucial steps to choosing a neighborhood in Brantford.
 
1. Profile Your Ideal Neighborhood: Start off by thinking about what you are really looking for in a neighborhood. It’s hard to find something 100% perfect, so you will probably need to make some compromises. Make a list of what you are looking for starting with the “must-haves” at the top and the “would-like-to-haves” after. Some main factors you might want to take into consideration are as follows:  
    - What is the schooling system like?
    - Do you want a historic vibe or a new development?
    - How far are you willing to commute?
    - What is your current neighborhood lacking that you would like to see in the new one?
    - Are you ideally traveling mostly by foot, car or bicycle?

2. Get to Know the Area: If you are relocating within the same town you already reside in, chances are you have a good idea of the surrounding areas and neighborhoods. If you’re moving to a new city, you will have to conduct some research. Pick an area of the town you are interested and really zone in on it. Talk to current residents, visit local restaurants and coffee shops and peruse through the neighborhoods and scope out the demographic.

3.  Compile Background Information: When searching for your next home, ask your Brantford real estate agent for recommendations and to gather a cohesive package of information regarding the neighborhood. This should include school information, crime statistics, parks and recreation information, tourist attractions and neighborhood associations. 

4. Visit and Visualize: Once you’ve done your background research, it’s time to visit the neighborhood in person. Make sure that the neighborhood fits the needs of all senses. Does the look of the neighborhood appeal to you? Is it too loud or too quiet? Does the atmosphere change with different times of the day? Most importantly, can you visualize a future for yourself?

5. Lock it Down: Once you have chosen your neighborhood it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty: finding a house you love. How? Contact me, your Brantford real estate agent, of course!

Bottom line? You will never love your house if you don’t like your neighborhood. Luckily, there are plenty of great neighborhoods in the Brantford area, so choosing the right one for you won’t be too much of an obstacle. Whether you’re buying or selling a Brantford home, contact me to begin a stress-free real estate experience, and I will be more than happy to guide you through the entire process.

Wally Dufrat
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
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