Some Advice for Finding the Ideal Neighbourhood While House Hunting

Some Advice for Finding the Ideal Neighbourhood While House Hunting

The features you desire in your next house (or condo) will no doubt impact your real estate decision; however, the neighbourhood in which it is located must equally correspond to your needs.

Your future neighbourhood can make—or break—your quality of life despite your new residence being everything you and your family could wish for. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to ensure you make the right choice!

What Are Your Needs?

Begin by determining the kind of lifestyle that will best suit your needs in the coming years and identifying which neighbourhoods offer what you want. For example:

  • Are you looking for a house with a large yard, lots of greenery and a pool to enjoy in the summer?
  • Would you prefer a centrally located condo close to several restaurants and bars so you can experience the exciting nightlife?
  • Do you want to live more slowly and quietly? If yes, then a downtown property where many festivals are organized every year may not be the best idea.
  • Is it important that you be able to walk to the grocery store and pharmacy?
  • Are there nearby public parks where you kids can play, and primary and secondary schools they can attend?

To summarize, write up a list of your priorities and check which neighbourhoods tick the most boxes.

Is the Neighbourhood Within You Budget?

Residential real estate prices will vary between neighbourhoods within the same city, and across neighbouring municipalities depending on the locations’ respective features and advantages (such as proximity to services). So, one of the first things you must do when looking for a new property is to establish your budget. To do that, simply make an appointment with your financial institution to determine how high of a mortgage you can afford. Having a pre-approved mortgage helps avoid unnecessary viewings and being potentially disappointed. At this stage you may need to eliminate a few of the less important criteria from your list.

Don’t forget to include the welcome tax and municipal and school taxes in your budget. The amounts vary—to a surprising degree—from one municipality to the next (even for comparable properties).

Is Distance a Concern?

You probably don’t want to spend hours commuting every day. Check how much time it takes to travel between your prospective residence and your workplace. Is this reasonable for you? Don’t forget to consider that traffic could complicate things! However, with working from home becoming increasing widespread, this may not be an issue for you.

You may also want to live in a neighbourhood that is close to your loved ones. If you regularly spend time with your friends and family, don’t move too far away. Conversely, a neighbourhood that is right by the highway can significantly shorten the trip!

Are You Digging the Local Vibes?

Before you make an offer, take some time to drive or walk around the streets around the home you are considering. You will be able to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, discover nearby shops or simply see if you feel at home there. It’s good advice for avoiding buyer’s remorse if, for example, you realize that the noise the municipality’s small airport generates is a major nuisance for you.

Still hesitating? Can’t quite make out if what’s most important to you is the neighbourhood itself, the type of house or proximity to services? What immediately comes to mind when you imagine your dream home? That’s what should be at the top of your list. You deserve to find the house you’ve always wanted, in the perfect neighbourhood for you. So don’t leave anything to chance and get the support of a RE/MAX broker before you begin your search.

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.