The true story of the government manager and his wife illustrates why cautious neighborhood selection should precede home choice, said Betty M. Thomas, the Prudential Realty agent who represented the couple. Buyers select a nice home in the wrong community with unfortunate frequency. While still considering widely separated areas, it can be critically important to draw on the expertise of two or three agents who know the different locales. Only after you've zeroed in on one area should you dedicate yourself to a single agent. Thomas, the Prudential agent, suggests you conduct your own due diligence to size up a community.
Investigation is especially vital when it comes to local schools.
Checking test scores is a good first step, but you also should stop by the school district office and, ultimately, visit any school your child might attend. The information you glean from school authorities could be decisive if your child has a learning disability or, alternatively, is gifted. A special school might be needed in either case. Get early clues to traffic realities. Real estate specialists underscore the importance of test-driving a potential commute during the actual hours when you would travel.