You've heard it before. When choosing your new home, consider three important factors: location, location and location. Choosing a home you can afford in a desirable location is a wise choice, both from a personal and financial perspective.

Keep in mind that the neighborhood is part of what you buy when you purchase a home. Find out where the neighborhood is going – and where it's been. The property value of houses in the neighborhood can tell you a lot, as well. Ask your Birmingham GMAC Real Estate agent for a Comparative Market Analysis.

Remember, if you're looking at a well-regarded, established neighborhood or an up-and-coming one, you may find it worth the extra money you'll have to put into the purchase of the home. Your Cranbrook GMAC Real Estate agent can help you negotiate fair market value for the home you want.

Get To Know The Neighborhood
You can learn a lot about the character of a neighborhood by simply driving around at various times of the day, evening and weekends.

Also consider talking to some of the neighbors about concerns such as:

	How do the children routinely reach their schools, play areas and friends' homes-by walking, bicycle, bus or do parents drive them?
	Is public transportation available for commuting or shopping?
	How far away is your place of worship?
	Do any local ordinances affect pets, parking, lawn care or other activities?
	What are the disadvantages of the neighborhood? Highway, railroad or airplane noise? Factory pollution, heavy traffic, exposure to heavy storms, possible flooding?

Beyond talking to the neighbors, here are some additional avenues for information:

	Drop in on local school board, government or other open community meetings.
	Visit the schools.
	Dine and shop in local establishments. (Tip: Be sure you overhear what the locals have to say about issues of neighborhood concern).
	Subscribe and read the community newspapers.
	Ask your agent. They have excellent resources to share.

Buying a home requires a lot of introspection. Use these questions as you consider what type of community you'd like to live in and be sure to share your answers with your Real Living agent.

Which type of living do you prefer?

	Urban
	Suburban
	Semi-Rural
	Rural

Which type of population density would you prefer?

	Low
	Medium
	High

Would you prefer a community whose population is:

	Decreasing
	Stable
	Increasing

Which natural features are the most important to you?

	Woods
	Hills
	Flat Land
	Rivers
	Lakefront
	Stream
	Pond

How do you commute to work?

	Walk
	Drive
	Car Pool
	Taxi
	Bus
	Train

What's the distance of your commute?

	0-5 Miles
	6-10 Miles
	11-20 Miles
	20+ Miles

What's the maximum amount of time you'd be willing to have for your morning commute?

	Less than 20 minutes
	Under 30 minutes
	1 hour

Would you use available public transportation for local trips or to visit nearby communities?

	Yes
	No

Would you like to live near public transportation?

	Yes
	No

Where do you prefer to shop?

	Central Commercial Districts
	Shopping Malls
	Community Shops
	None, I Prefer Home Delivery

Which type of school do you need now or in the next few years?

	Elementary School
	Middle School
	Junior High School
	Senior High School
	Community College
	College or University

Which amenities would you desire to have nearby?

	Recreation
	Entertainment
	Music
	Movies
	Live Theater
	Sports Arenas
	Museums
	Nightlife
	Public Parks
	Private Country Clubs
	Fraternal Groups