Choosing
a Community - Questions to Ask
For many homebuyers the first step in buying a house
is choosing the community in which to live. After all, a house is only a shelter,
but it is the community that to a large extent will determine the homeowner's
social life, the children's playmates and the public services available to the
family. Home buyers who need help choosing a community can call HomeMatch™ at
1-800-368-9300 for information on schools, taxes and municipal services.
Homebuyers often investigate the municipal tax structure and the reputation
and services of the public school system before they buy a house. Only rarely
do they examine the other services that are so important to the quality of life
in a community. These essential public services, like water and sewer and garbage
collection, are often, taken for granted and ignored until after the house is
purchased.
To help homebuyers be as well informed as possible, here is a set of questions
for a homebuyer to ask about a community. Most of the questions can be answered
by a real estate Sales Associate.
- What is the local tax rate?
- What is the tax history of the town?
- Are there any special assessments in the offing?
- Is there a Master Plan for zoning?
- Does the zoning protect the integrity of residential areas as well as
provide for multi-family and commercially zoned areas?
- Are there restrictions, such as a property maintenance code?
- Is the garbage collection included in taxes or paid for separately?
- Is all trash collected or are there special charges for certain items?
- Is recycling collected or must it be dropped off at a recycling center?
- What utility companies service the town?
- Is cable television available?
- Is water provided by a town water company, individual wells or a private
supplier?
- How much does the typical resident pay for water?
- Does the town have a sewer system or are there individual septic tanks?
- What are the sewer charges?
- Who responds to emergency calls?
- Is there an ambulance company available?
- How close is it to the nearest hospital?
- Is there a public library in town? What services does it offer?
- Are there public recreation facilities and land set aside for green acres
and public use?
- Are there public recreation programs for children and for adults?
- Is the fire department volunteer or paid? If volunteer, is it adequately
staffed?
- Is the police department large enough for the community?
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