4. CHOOSING THE RIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD

Crime statistics, insurance rates, property taxes and school

quality are important considerations for you. Because the neighborhood makes up a large part of a home's value,take or time to find exactly what suits your needs.  You should also consider job commute, traffic during rush hour and proximity to amenities such as shopping, churches and libraries.

Driving through the neighborhood at various times during the day and night will provide a more complete picture of the location. Don't forget to talk to potential neighbors, who can be a good source of information regarding the neighborhood and residents in the community. Take note that bad neighbors an bring down the value of a house.