When you're searching for a new home, there are a number of things to take into consideration.  Few will impact your long-term happiness like its location. The neighborhood you choose is critical for many reasons including your lifestyle goals, transportation concerns, and resale value.

While the vibe of your new neighborhood is important, you'll also want to make sure you're choosing a safe location. Doing some research will give allow you peace of mind. These five tips will help you determine whether your potential new neighborhood is safe for you and your family.

1. Research Crime Reports
   The internet is a wealth of information, and visiting a few websites can tell you a lot about a neighborhood. Crime Reports and SpotCrime focus on information regarding crimes reported in the local area. If you want even more data, like demographics, school rankings, and liveability scores, check out NeighborhoodScout or AreaVibes.
   
   
2. Visit the National Sex Offender Public Website
   The National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is an online database of registered sex offenders, maintained by the United States Department of Justice. Visit this site and enter your address to find out whether any registered sex offenders live nearby.
   
   
3. Check Neighboring Home Sales 
   While a few homes for sale in the neighborhood shouldn't cause concern, too many could be a red flag. A large number of homes for sale in a single neighborhood may signal that the current owners are trying to escape an area where crime has increased, and property values have come down.
   
   
4. Tour the Neighborhood
   Before purchasing a new home, you should always spend time walking and driving around the neighborhood. Pay attention to the condition of homes and yards. Well-kept houses are usually a sign that the residents care about their neighborhood. If most of the homes are in disarray, there may be cause for concern.
   
   
5. Talk to Current Residents
   One of the best ways to understand the local area vibe is to talk with people who already live there. Strike up a conversation with anyone you see while touring the neighborhood and take the time to introduce yourself to your potential neighbors. Ask them for their opinions about the neighborhood and whether they feel like it's a safe and enjoyable place to live.

Buying a home is one of the biggest commitments you'll ever make. Working with a realtor who is familiar with the local area will ensure your bases are covered. If you would like some help finding your dream home, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 800.793.5393 or reach out to one of our professional real estate agents at Montague Miller & Co.

The real estate market is competitive and as a home seller, you want your home to stand out from the other listings in your area. It's possible to delight potential buyers without carrying out major renovations.

Here are five changes you can make so buyers fall in love with your home.

1. Repaint your walls
   You need to freshen up the paint before you open your doors to home shoppers. The interior of your home should be as neutral as possible. Neutral colors such as beige or grey will do a better job of showing off moldings and windows and give potential buyers a sense of coziness.  Avoid bright whites and splashy colors.
   
   
2. Improve curb appeal
   Buyers will see the exterior of your home first, which is why you'll need to improve your curb appeal. Some buyers will choose not to go inside your home when the exterior is not appealing. Keep your lawn well-maintained, touch up the paint, remove clutter and debris, and improve the landscape. Also, consider pressure washing your home's exterior and driveway.
   
   
3. Fix the little things
   Home buyers don't want to see obvious displays of neglect. Walk around each room in your home and fix the little things that you may have overlooked. Fix the loose doorknob, cracked tiles, chipped banister, and that leaky faucet. The more repairs you make, the happier house hunters will be.
   
   
4. Consider kitchen improvements
   The kitchen, for many individuals, is the heart of the home and can make or break a buyer's opinion of it. House hunters love a kitchen that looks and feels clean, fresh, and refined. Spotless appliances and surfaces make a positive impression. Clean or repaint stained surfaces. Empty the trash often, keep your sink clean, and ensure that your kitchen is free of bad smells.
   
   
5. Allow in natural light
   A house bathed in natural light will always wow and delight home shoppers. Make the most of your windows by using lightweight curtains that match the wall colors. Give your windows and screens a thorough cleaning to invite in as much sunlight as possible.

When the time is right, reach out to one of our professional real estate agents at Montague Miller & Co and we'll schedule a meeting to discuss selling your home.