Red Flags for Homebuyers

Things to look out for while searching for your next home

Finding the right neighborhood may sound tricky when its time to relocate to Hampton Roads. But fear not, with a short list of what to look out for, newcomers can find new homes in no time. Hampton Roads has some of the nicest residential areas in the South but folks might want to be on the lookout for areas that could cause concern in the long run. Crazy neighbors can't always be predicted but if you move next to a hospital chances are, ambulance sirens may become a bit of a nuisance after a while.

One area of Hampton Roads that is beautiful all year long is the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. This picturesque place is filled with quaint shops and adorable seaside cottages as well as larger new homes and resorts with ocean views. Bikers riding beach cruisers are common sights along these streets. Something to keep in mind though is when the weather gets nice, which is most of the year, it can get congested down in this fun part of town. Parking gets out of control and some residents must resort to putting signs and cones in front of their houses so beach visitors won't block their driveways or park on their lawns. The same goes for festivals like the Stars and Stripes Explosion where there will be bands performing and fireworks displays for the Fourth of July. There's so much fun going on down here, homebuyers need to know that sharing is part of the deal.

Planes, trains and automobiles are just a fact of life in larger metro areas and Hampton Roads is no exception. Most people don't relish the thought of being woken up by a freight train but here in Hampton Roads, railroads are a part of life even near some residential areas. This region is also home to two international airports, several regional airports and Naval Air Station Oceana. Homebuyers bothered by aircraft noise will want to check to make sure the home they purchase is not under an air traffic pattern. Automobile traffic can be a major concern when finding the right neighborhood too. Norfolk residents living near the Midtown Tunnel in West Ghent off Hampton Boulevard often face a hard time just getting in out of their homes during rush hour. Check local traffic reports and see how you can eliminate frustration before it begins. Before jumping into buying one of those new homes, first make sure no transportation issues are evident.

When new residents relocate to Hampton Roads, many will need to look for schools. While it may be convenient to move into a house next door to school, there are some factors worth considering. Your children won't be going to this school forever, so be certain you can tolerate what comes with living by a school in the long-term. In general, kids are noisy- recess and physical education are probably the loudest times as everyone is outside playing. Don't discount school bells and loud speakers as they may be heard off campus too. Both foot and vehicle traffic can be busy before and after school. Will you mind kids possibly trampling over parts of your lawn on their daily walks to school? Even some nights may be busy depending on which school it is because of parent's nights, extracurricular activities or sporting events.

Living on a golf course may be a dream for some homebuyers. Getting a view of the rolling fairways and the golfers as they set up for those perfect shots may sound like a personal slice of paradise. But for some homeowners, life on a golf course may have more downs than ups. A wayward ball could strike at anytime. Residents need to wear more than just house clothes to go outside even to enjoy breakfast on the back patio because of the golfers. Sleeping in may be difficult as there can be people milling about the course early on weekends before it gets too hot. When you relocate to Hampton Roads, there will be many new homes on golf courses to choose from: so be sure one will fit within your lifestyle needs before purchasing it.

Additionally, be on the lookout for these places in such close proximity to new homes. These red flags may cause some homebuyers to rethink the deal:

However, Hampton Roads is a great place to live and building a life here is a wonderful thing. The best way to start out on the right foot after you relocate to Hampton Roads is making sure you can relax and feel comfortable in the home you select. Finding the right neighborhood is a key step to settling in successfully. When looking for the right neighborhood for you just remember that not everyone has the same red flags.

What's important is to know what will and won't bother you and your family. Just remember: what is a red flag for one family could be a perk for another. Do the research for the neighborhood or community you're considering purchasing a home in, and you'll know exactly what neighborhood you're getting, and love living there.