How Do You Know The Neighborhood Is a Good One?
Posted 09-30-2020 at 11:46 AM by jgtranscripts
Updated 09-30-2020 at 11:49 AM by jgtranscripts (category)
Updated 09-30-2020 at 11:49 AM by jgtranscripts (category)
When helping clients I get asked, "Is this a good neighborhood?" or "Help me find a safe neighborhood., or "I want my kids in a good school district."
It's not that I may not know the answer. I probably do. It's just that I'm staying in compliance with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, religion, sex, family or economic status.
It's not worth me losing my license over it. It is considered steering and a form of discrimination. However, I can be a resource to help you find the answers for your situation, so here are a few online sites if you're curious.
The crime rate in a neighborhood is something that can be checked, especially if you have concerns. SpotCrime is a good resource to search by cities. NeighborhoodScout also gives info on crime rates as well as their take on which are the safest neighborhoods. If you have children or grandchildren, the Megan's Law sex offender site may be useful.
Is the home you're considering located near airports or major highways? Jet noise due to a military presence (US Air Force) is common in certain areas of Virginia Beach. If you think it may become a problem, try visiting the house at different times of the day. Weekends aren't not necessarily typical, so visit during the week as well to get a feel for traffic and noise. On the other hand, being close to the highway or popular avenue or street could mean a shorter commute for you.
How close is the home to the local malls, grocery stores, and business districts? Some people prefer to be close to stores and shops because they don't want to be inconvenienced when they have to buy something. For those with children, the quality of the local schools is also an important consideration. Greatschools.org is a fantastic website providing input and suggestions from parents.
So, my silence to such questions is actually a good thing. It means that I'm steering clear of issues within such innocent questions while still being able to help you when buying, selling, or renting a home.
Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested.
Stay healthy and safe!
Jackie Gonzalez
Keller Williams Town Center
One Columbus Center, #700
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Direct: (757) 943-9184
Search on the Web: https://jgonzalezhomes.com
https://www.facebook.com/jgonzalezhomes
Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
It's not that I may not know the answer. I probably do. It's just that I'm staying in compliance with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, religion, sex, family or economic status.
It's not worth me losing my license over it. It is considered steering and a form of discrimination. However, I can be a resource to help you find the answers for your situation, so here are a few online sites if you're curious.
The crime rate in a neighborhood is something that can be checked, especially if you have concerns. SpotCrime is a good resource to search by cities. NeighborhoodScout also gives info on crime rates as well as their take on which are the safest neighborhoods. If you have children or grandchildren, the Megan's Law sex offender site may be useful.
Is the home you're considering located near airports or major highways? Jet noise due to a military presence (US Air Force) is common in certain areas of Virginia Beach. If you think it may become a problem, try visiting the house at different times of the day. Weekends aren't not necessarily typical, so visit during the week as well to get a feel for traffic and noise. On the other hand, being close to the highway or popular avenue or street could mean a shorter commute for you.
How close is the home to the local malls, grocery stores, and business districts? Some people prefer to be close to stores and shops because they don't want to be inconvenienced when they have to buy something. For those with children, the quality of the local schools is also an important consideration. Greatschools.org is a fantastic website providing input and suggestions from parents.
So, my silence to such questions is actually a good thing. It means that I'm steering clear of issues within such innocent questions while still being able to help you when buying, selling, or renting a home.
Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested.
Stay healthy and safe!
Jackie Gonzalez
Keller Williams Town Center
One Columbus Center, #700
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Direct: (757) 943-9184
Search on the Web: https://jgonzalezhomes.com
https://www.facebook.com/jgonzalezhomes
Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
