So WHO lives next door?

So when you have decided to "take the jump with us," there are so many things to consider beyond getting pre-qualified for the next home (which is top dog on your list), and getting your home prepared for the move. This includes renters too (you need to get that deposit back), you never know when that cash may come in handy for that GUARANTEED Home Depot or Lowe's run. "Hey I thought I had FOUR ROLLERS! The owners took the toilet paper roll holder ... SHEESH! Guess I am BACK to the store."

So back to the storyline, you need to "interview" your neighborhood. Sometimes stories get told after 7pm about the true workings of a neighborhood and/or on the weekends. This is not a time to be shy, introduce yourself to neighbors and see what they are like. No situation is PERFECT, but see what you are getting you (and possibly) others are investing into ... particularly if you are hoping to stay long-term somewhere. See what schools are zoned for that particular area and what parks are near by, if that interests you. Think about daily life for you.

When we moved into our neighborhood, we learned a lot about "court protocol" and who was who in the court. I later learned more, but we are happy where we are at ...

"So you say you have a key to our house ... Oh really!??!"
[me to Steve O] "We are going to 'ang-chay our EY-kays immediateLY."
(yes that is pig-latin a shot back to elementary school).

Beyond the "neighborhood interviewing," you also have to weigh what is important to you, yard, age of the home and the builder who built your home. Often people are swayed by the uniform look of builders in the past 15 years. Some people love this uniform look ... and that is great ... but make a home be functional for you too (yard size, maintenance of the yard, cleaning that new house, and social workings of the house).

Do you know what CCR's are? Do you know what HOA is and does your neighborhood have it (you have to include this in your considerations of price and cost of living)?

HOA: Home Owner Association: Dues for an Association and are generally put forth towards general grounds maintenance and the association.

CCR: Community Codes and Regulations (sometimes with different words swapped). This is the rules of the neighborhood and policies. These do not have monthly dues, but are the "requirements" which may or may not be enforced in your neighborhood. This can have a high appeal to some because it does keep neigbhorhoods in "check" if they are enforced. Those without HOA's it is hard to enforce CCR's and is often, if enforced, taken on by a group of dedicated neighbors. (examples: lawn being mowed, garbage cans not out more than 24 hours on the curb, light fixtures being replaced when out, etc). Sure there may be a few vigilant neighbors that you find pesky, but what is pesky, when a neighborhood is looking good?
Keep it perspective. Your neighbors up-keep is your money too and your home's worth.

Ask what a typical electricity bill is for the home? Are they PG&E? Are they SMUD or Roseville Electric? Things that are important in monthly financing for oneself.

Past neighborhood workings and monthly dues/bills, find out the functional workings of the new pad and it's location.

Is it a busy street? Does it dead end and work like a court? Do you HAVE to have a court home? Do you know how much it takes to maintain a pool or large yard? Decisions you need to mull over.

Now I am not writing this to stress you out, but to be prepared, makes you stronger and wiser.

Granted nothing in life has to be permanent, so consider this ... if you have the liberties and finances to get what you want, TAKE IT! There are so many amazing homes out there. Let us help you!

So when we decided to take the jump, we knew we wanted a court home, with having young children, and we wanted a yard and back garage. We wanted to have an outdoor space to have people over. Simple criteria. We wanted to an older home, that would need some help and we were not against a fixer. We knew the risks of a fixer, but WE got our inspections done (DON'T EVER EVER EVER pass up inspections people) and we took the plunge. Don't let a $20 dollar can of paint or simple carpet replacement get in the way of your visions. Some people want a completed home with "ready-to-go" appeal, others want to score a deal and do the work themselves. Know the pros and cons of both sides.

So start thinking about your life requirements in a home, whether this is your 1st home or 2nd or 3rd. Sometimes you have to start somewhere, and that "somewhere" isn't always glamorous. Everyone starts somewhere. Our first home was a 2-bd in a "not so luxurious" neighborhood. But I will tell you what, those were some of our nicest neighbors. Not every pretty neighborhood is what it seems.

Think long-term if finances provide, and or think in terms of "stepping stones" to your next home if you are slowly working to get to your dream home. Find out what your finances and needs are ... ask questions we can help!

Good luck!