August 19, 2009

5 steps to finding a place where you belong

Steps #2 & #3.  Check Monday's blog for step #1 on how to choose a neighborhood.

STEP 2 -- Zero In on the Area
If you're moving within the same city, you probably already know the various neighborhoods. Choose the ones that best match your list of wants. If you're moving to a new city, you'll have to do more research. This is where working with a Realtor familiar with the area can also help.  They can help you narrow down your choices, possibly based on how close you want to be to work, how close you want to live to public transportation, a good school district, etc. Then once you find an area or areas you like then start focusing your home search on that area.

STEP 3 -- Get the Suspects
With your area of choice in mind, start digging up information.  A realtor can also be helpful here and the internet is also helpful.

• School information: Look into the local public and private elementary, junior and high schools, as well as daycare programs. A good website for school accountability report cards and school ratings is: http://www.greatschools.net/
  
• Crime statistics: Search online to try and find this information.  A good website for California resident to look up registered sex offenders in a given area is: http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/Search.aspx?lang=ENGLISH . If you want to try and obtain more information about crime statistics, call the local police station.  A knowledgeable realtor should also have an idea of the areas that are known to have a higher crime rate.
  
• Parks and recreation: How far is it to the closest park or recreation center?
  
• Neighborhood associations: Does the community you're looking at have one, and, if so, are there lawn or construction restrictions? Is there a yearly fee?
  
• Tourist attractions: Get a guidebook or check out the convention and tourism bureau's Web site to see all the city has to offer.

Check back later this week for steps #4 & #5 to choosing a neighborhood.

Information obtained from: http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/How-to-Choose-a-Neighborhood/1162

Take a look at my market report for today!
http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicomarketreport

Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has sold 23 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.

Interested in learning more about the Chico area or Ryan?
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Office Phone: (530) 343-2959

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New Chico Listings, Chico, CA:

		477 E 10TH AVENUE, CHICO, CA	$164,900.00
		Residential 3 Bedroom 1 Bath Built in 1942	0.18 Acres  1072 Sq. Ft.
		Opportunity knocks, a great starter home, or fixer upper, dual pane windows, 1 car detached garage, private backyard. More information on 477 E 10th Avenue

		3301 SILVERBELL RD, Chico, CA	$189,900.00
		Residential 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Built in 1980	0.46 Acres  1120 Sq. Ft.
		Decent house on almost half acre. Prior tenant removed stove and painted walls. Needs new floor and window coverings, as well as some fixtures, etc. More information on 3301 silverbell rd

		1520 E LASSEN AVE, Chico, CA	$200,000.00
		Residential 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Built in 1986	924 Sq. Ft.
		Nice home on upper E. Lassen Ave., close to walking trail and currently wide open spaces. Big back yard and patio area to relax in. More information on 1520 E Lassen Ave

		272 WHITE AVE, Chico, CA	$225,000.00
		Residential 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Built in 1953	1271 Sq. Ft.
		A little piece of heaven in Chico! This home has plantation shutters, hardwood floors, and a fireplace. The backyard is perfect for entertaining and for those with a green th... More information on 272 white ave

		1621 CHICO RIVER RD, Chico, CA	$235,000.00
		Residential 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Built in 1957	0.21 Acres  1352 Sq. Ft.
		Come see this charming home with many updates located near the university. With nice back yard for entertaining and plenty of room for a family. More information on 1621 chico river rd

		554 E 18TH STREET, Chico, CA	$237,750.00
		Residential 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Built in 1950	1383 Sq. Ft.
		This charmer has 3 bedrooms plus office/den. One car attached and 2 car detached garage with bathroom. Large basement for storage. More information on 554 E 18th Street

		579 EATON RD, Chico, CA	$255,360.00
		Residential 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Built in 2007	0.1 Acres  1435 Sq. Ft.
		Great starter home! This is a Fannie Mae Home Path property. Purchase w/3% down. Visit www.HomePath.com. Sold "As Is." Offers must have prequal letter and copy of check. Leave... More information on 579 eaton rd

		1415 YOSEMITE DR, Chico, CA	$269,000.00
		Residential 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Built in 2006	1596 Sq. Ft.
		Low Maintenance Living! This single story home features an open floor plan, upgraded fixtures & tile flooring and counters. Open floor plan with a separate master suite. En... More information on 1415 yosemite dr