When you’re shopping for a new home, chances are you’ll tour plenty of properties and attend a few open houses. That’s all part of the process of finding your ideal home. But there’s another type of “open house” you shouldn’t miss — one that doesn’t require an invitation: the “neighbourhood open house.”
This isn’t a traditional open house, but rather a chance for you to explore any area you’re considering living in and see if it fits your lifestyle.
When you’re touring a home or attending an open house, be sure to take time to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. You want to get a feel for what life would be like there. Here’s how you can do that:
- Go for a walk around the block.
- Spend some time at a nearby park or playground.
- Grab a coffee at a local cafe.
- Visit a nearby school.
- Test the commute to your workplace.
- Check out daycare centers in the area.
- Drive to the local shopping centre.
- Explore local amenities, like restaurants, theatres, or golf courses.
Remember, the neighbourhood is just as important as the home itself. So before you make any decisions, make sure you’ve truly “tested out” the area you’re thinking of calling home.
