Before signing that lucrative deal on your dream home, fifteen high-profile industry leaders reveal must-know insights future homeowners will find invaluable. The Head of Product Management emphasizes researching neighborhood family-friendliness closely while the Chief Growth Strategist advises considering the noise levels from a nearby beach. From demystifying long-term development plans to understanding Homeowner’s Association requirements—this article aggregates 15 such crucial insights straight from industry frontrunners. It promises to equip you with unparalleled home-buying wisdom that could significantly impact your decision-making process. Here what homebuyers wish they knew about neighborhood research:
- Research Neighborhood Family-Friendliness
- Check Public Services Quality
- Understand Community Culture and Crime Rates
- Investigate Security Infrastructure Thoroughly
- Examine Environmental History of the Land
- Assess Potential for Population Growth
- Learn Local Council Renovation Rules
- Research Flooding Potential Thoroughly
- Evaluate Disability-Inclusiveness of Neighborhood
- Investigate Long-Term Development Plans
- Understand Homeowner’s Association Requirements
- Review Zoning Laws and Parking Restrictions
- Analyze Soil Condition and Composition
- Consider Traffic Patterns and Impact
- Account for Noise Levels from Nearby Attractions
Research Neighborhood Family-Friendliness
I should have researched demographics more closely, both in my neighborhood and its immediate surrounding areas. We tend to seek out family-friendly activities and would have preferred to live in an area with children of ages similar to ours.
Jacqueline Niderost, Head of Product Management, Vast View Paradigm
Check Public Services Quality
One thing that I definitely regret not taking more of a look at is the availability and quality of public services, particularly waste management and water supply. Living in an old part of town in an old city in Europe, you tend to realize that the water pressure might not have seen any upgrades since about 70 years ago and that there might be inconsistent garbage-collection schedules due to outdated infrastructure.
If I had known how much of an issue it would be, I would have had to factor in upgrading the in-unit water systems at the very least, as they’re pretty pricey to upgrade in older buildings. A fairly unwelcome expense after you’ve already paid for the home.
Dragos Badea, CEO, Yarooms
Understand Community Culture and Crime Rates
One thing I wish I had researched more thoroughly before buying my home is the community culture and diversity. It’s important to ensure that you feel comfortable and welcomed in your neighborhood. I also would have looked deeper into the crime rates to guarantee it was as safe as I initially thought.
A tip for anyone in the home-buying process is to talk to current residents. Most people are eager to share their experiences, and you can gain valuable insights into the daily realities of living there. This simple step can make a huge difference in finding a neighborhood that truly feels like home.
Alexander Weber, Founder, Axlek
Investigate Security Infrastructure Thoroughly
When I think about my neighborhood and the decision to purchase my home, I realize that I should have delved deeper into the specifics of security infrastructure. As someone who understands the critical importance of security from my work with New York Gates, knowing that your neighborhood supports your security needs with effective measures is vital. Knowing more about local security policies and the availability of security services would have offered more profound peace of mind and likely influenced my choice positively.
Engaging with the community about their security experiences might have shed light on potential vulnerabilities or strengths in this area. This aligns with my professional expertise, as I genuinely grasp how essential it is to feel safe and secure in one’s domain, just as much as in a professional setting.
Beni Avni, President, New York Gates
Examine Environmental History of the Land
Something that I wished I’d looked into when I purchased my home was the environmental history of the surrounding land. I don’t mean the commons, such as flooding hazards or grading issues, but the use that had taken place on the site years earlier.
Later, I learned it used to be a little industrial park and, though this won’t have any immediate impact on my house at the moment, it’s still worth checking for underground issues or even leftover pollutants if you knew that before buying. You don’t think about this often, but that might definitely have a long-term maintenance or even health impact later on.
I think if I had known about that beforehand, it wouldn’t have deterred me from buying the house, but it would have transformed my approach. I’d have read more environmental reports and perhaps budgeted a bit differently for future problems that might arise from the land itself. It’s one of those things that you just can’t quite see but could add a lot to your overall home-living experience.
Toni Norman, Senior Marketing Manager, Tingdene Residential Parks
Assess Potential for Population Growth
I wish I had researched the potential for future population growth in our neighborhood more thoroughly. I initially chose this location because of its peace and quiet; however, the area has become increasingly crowded due to recent development. If I had known about the ongoing recruitment efforts, I would have considered other options.
As we get older, having a peaceful and quiet home becomes even more important, and our current community is, unfortunately, moving in the opposite direction.
Magda Callery, Founder | Interior Designer, Style By Magda
Learn Local Council Renovation Rules
When I bought my home in Mosman, Sydney, I wished I had done more research about the local council’s rules around renovations and property improvements. Mosman is a beautiful area, but it’s also known for having strict heritage and development guidelines. After moving in, I realized that even small changes, like updating certain parts of the house or adding new outdoor features, required more approvals and paperwork than I expected.
If I had known more about these restrictions beforehand, it would have influenced how I approached the purchase. I might have looked for a property that didn’t require as many updates or one that was more flexible for future renovations. It’s not something that would have stopped me from buying in Mosman, but it definitely would have changed the way I evaluated the homes I was considering.
Oliver Morrisey, Owner, Director, Empower Wills & Estate Lawyers
Research Flooding Potential Thoroughly
I regret not researching more about the potential for flooding in this area. When the property was initially offered, the agent assured me that it was flood-free. However, due to climate change, the area has experienced flooding. I should have conducted further research to understand the risks associated with the location. Despite the previous claim of being flood-free, the changing climate has increased the likelihood of flooding, which is something I was not prepared for.
Jason Davis, Founder | E-commerce SEO Guru, Makarios Marketing
Evaluate Disability-Inclusiveness of Neighborhood
Right before I purchased my home, I deeply underestimated the importance of thoroughly researching the disability-inclusiveness of the neighborhood.
At first, I was charmed by the area’s aesthetics and community vibe, but soon after settling in, as a prosthetic user myself, I encountered quite a few challenges. The lack of ramps, narrow doorways, as well as inaccessible public transport severely impacted my independence and quality of life and even made everyday tasks more cumbersome and even to the point of being more time-consuming than necessary.
If I had been more aware of these issues, I might have reconsidered my choice, or at least pushed for immediate improvements to make the neighborhood more accommodating. This experience has taught me the critical importance of prioritizing accessibility in any future living arrangements and has spurred me to advocate for better infrastructure, not just for myself but for others in similar situations in the community.
Jonas Torrang, Co-founder, Isbrave.com
Investigate Long-Term Development Plans
When I first bought my home, I wish I had spent more time researching the long-term development plans for the neighborhood. At the time, it seemed like a peaceful, quiet area, which was exactly what I was looking for. However, shortly after moving in, I discovered that there were plans for significant commercial development just a few blocks away.
While I’m not against progress, the influx of new businesses and increased traffic has definitely changed the feel of the area. If I had known about the future developments beforehand, I might have considered a different neighborhood that offered the same peaceful atmosphere but with more stability in the community’s character.
Knowing this information could have influenced my decision, especially since I value a balance between convenience and tranquility. Now, I feel like I have to adjust my expectations of the neighborhood rather than enjoying the space I thought I was getting. It’s taught me the importance of looking not just at the present but also at how an area might evolve in the years to come.
JD Lloyd, Business Development Manager and Project Manager, Bella Virtual Staging
Understand Homeowner’s Association Requirements
As a roofing contractor in Cranford, NJ, one aspect of the neighborhood I wish I had researched more was the specific requirements of the homeowner’s association. The HOA in this area is notoriously strict regarding home exteriors and landscaping. If I had known the extent of their regulations before purchasing my home, I would have ensured the property was already in compliance to avoid the citations and penalties I incurred after moving in.
For example, the HOA cited me within the first month for having a “non-compliant” roofing material that was technically still under warranty. I ended up having to replace the entire roof at a cost of $15,000 to meet their standards. Similarly, the HOA took issue with my lawn’s length exceeding their maximum by a quarter of an inch, resulting in weekly $50 fines until I adjusted my landscaping service.
The HOA’s inflexibility has been a continual frustration, but that information would have significantly impacted my decision to buy in this neighborhood. When advising others, I always recommend researching the HOA rules thoroughly to determine if you can live within their guidelines before purchasing a home—it can save you substantial time, money, and aggravation in the long run. The neighborhood’s appeal means little if you end up in a perpetual battle due to unreasonable regulations.
Jimmy Hertilien, Senior Project Manager, Herts Roofing & Construction
Review Zoning Laws and Parking Restrictions
As a home remodeler, I wish I had researched zoning laws and neighborhood parking restrictions more before purchasing my current home. Many of the homes in my neighborhood were built before modern zoning laws, and now remodeling projects require permits for even small changes. The permit process can add weeks of waiting and thousands in fees to budget for a project.
Additionally, parking in my neighborhood is extremely limited, with most homes only having one or two off-street parking spots. For my business, parking larger work vehicles and equipment requires renting expensive off-site storage units and shuttling materials back and forth. If I had known the headaches that zoning and parking restrictions would cause for operating my business, I may have looked at properties in nearby towns with more lenient laws.
However, living in a historic neighborhood also has its benefits. Home values have steadily climbed over the years, and the charming architecture draws many clients to my remodeling business. Operating in a neighborhood I’m personally invested in also allows me to make valuable connections with neighbors and better understand their needs. Although zoning and parking issues remain frustrating, the pros of living and working in this community still outweigh the cons. With experience, I’ve learned strategies to minimize disruptions from regulatory challenges.
Jesse Andews, Owner, New England Home Pros
Analyze Soil Condition and Composition
One aspect I wish I had researched more before building many of the custom homes in my area is soil condition and composition. As a custom home builder in Central Oregon, we often encounter expansive, clay-heavy soils that can heave and shift over time, causing foundation issues if not properly addressed.
Some clients wanted to forgo the added cost of soil treatment and a robust foundation but ended up paying more in the long run to remedy issues caused by soil movement under the home. Having seen the effects of unstable soil firsthand, I now insist on thorough soil testing and often recommend more costly foundation options to provide peace of mind and structural integrity for the life of the home.
Though it may seem an unnecessary upfront cost, ensuring a home’s foundation is suitable for the soil it’s built on can prevent headaches down the road. For homeowners and builders alike, cutting corners to save money in the short term often ends up costing more in the end. It’s an easy mistake to make if you’re not intimately familiar with the impact soil composition can have on a home.
These hard-learned lessons have shaped how I approach each custom home build. Rather than trying to save clients money up front, I focus on building high-quality, low-maintenance homes suited to this climate and geography. Though it may cost more initially, the result is a home that stands the test of time.
Aaron Alway, President, Black Label Design Group
Consider Traffic Patterns and Impact
Despite all my attention to detail professionally, there was one thing I didn’t look into closely enough when purchasing my house: traffic patterns in my neighborhood.
I did my homework on things like schools, local amenities, and the community vibe, but I didn’t give enough thought to how traffic could impact daily life. It turns out that my street becomes a bit of a cut-through during rush hour, and that means more noise and congestion than I anticipated. If I had paid more attention to this aspect—maybe by visiting the area during peak times or talking to more neighbors—I might have reconsidered the location or factored that into my offer price. In the grand scheme, it’s a small issue, but it’s definitely something that affects the quality of my daily routine.
I’ve learned that while it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics or convenience of a location, it’s these seemingly small details that can make a big difference in the long run.
Reilly James, Marketing Manager & eCommerce Optimization Expert, William Morris Wallpaper
Account for Noise Levels from Nearby Attractions
I currently reside in the Westboro area of Ottawa, Ontario, and something I wish I had researched more thoroughly before buying my home is the noise level from Westboro Beach during the summer. Living near the beach has its perks, but I didn’t fully account for how busy it gets, especially on weekends. With frequent events, parties, and larger crowds during the warmer months, the noise carries into the evening and has been more disruptive than I expected.
If I had known how active the area would be during the summer, I might have reconsidered choosing a home so close to such a popular spot. While being near the water is great, the increased activity and noise during those months have made me reflect on how much I value peace and quiet. It’s definitely a factor I’ll look into more closely if I ever move again.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
