Your Real Estate Agent Hans Knows Your Community

WALTHAM, Mass. - Sept. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- By Hans Brings, Vice President and Broker, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

If you’re considering buying a house and moving to a new community to live, it’s vital to partner with a real estate agent who understands the ins and outs of your new town. After all, you’re not just buying a home, you’re also choosing a place to settle in and live your life.

Real estate agents understand the process of buying a house, can guide you toward the amenities you are searching for, and know the market in their area. But your agent’s expertise extends far beyond the transaction of buying a home. Here are a few ways your agent can be a resource for you during your home buying experience:

Understanding the School System

Not only can your agent explain to you which school your children will be attending, he or she will have information on the district, from the way schooling is structured in your new town (which grades constitute middle school? is kindergarten full-day or half-day?) to schooling alternatives in the area, such as parochial, charter, or magnet schools. Ask your agent questions about the district’s and individuals schools’ reputations, test scores, and per-pupil spending.

Choosing a Neighborhood

In every community, there is a variety of different types of neighborhoods. Your agent can help your select a neighborhood with the best fit for you. Ask questions about neighborhood demographics. Do most residents have small children or is the neighborhood comprised predominantly of empty-nesters? Are their nearby parks or playgrounds? What is the traffic like? How far is the nearest grocery store?

Learning the Availability of Services

From your electric company to the location of area gas stations, your agent will be able to help get you set up to live in your new home. He or she can help you arrange your utilities, find out when your trash is picked up, and identify your voting precinct. Ask your agent about how the town government is structured and how you can get involved in organizations that interest you.

Finding Fun Things to Do

Every community has its own set of annual events, from harvest festivals to holiday parades to antique shows. Your agent will have the scoop on when these events are staged. Your agent is also your resource for area attractions, from farm stands to shopping centers to the best locations for recreational activities. Depending on your interests, ask your agent how to find the brand of fun that most appeals to you – whether it’s a funky neighborhood coffee shop or a nearby gym offering exercise classes that fit your schedule.

Moving homes can mean changing your lifestyle. The more you know about your new community before you move, the easier it will be to find your niche once you’ve settled in. If you have questions about your new town, ask your real estate agent. With a wealth of community resources at his or her disposal, your agent can be your guide to making a home purchase that is the best fit for you.