Ask your Future Neighbours these 4 Questions before you Move in!

You find your dream home and you think everything is perfect, BUT you soon discover that the young adults’ two doors down are party animals and the café on the corner has a bad rat infestation!

Avoid being unpleasantly surprised; always chat to your future neighbours beforehand about what you can expect from your new neighbourhood.

Look for a friendly neighbour, or if you’re brave enough, knock on someone’s door and ask them these 4 questions…

1.   Do you deal with any unpleasant noises or smells on a daily basis?

You can’t visit your potential new home every hour of every day; you may miss some things, such as morning traffic, the noisy construction site or a smelly neighbour across the street. Get all the details from someone who has lived there for a long time – plus they’ll probably enjoy discussing the complaints.

2.   Do you feel comfortable in this neighbourhood?

The PatrolMan allows you to keep up to date with latest crime statistics and hotspots in and around the area you are planning on moving to. However, if you’d like someone’s personal opinion or first-hand experience on whether it is safe to walk to the shop or if the kids can play at the local park, etc. then just ask!

3.   What do you know about my new home?

Neighbours always seem to know what is going on around the neighbourhood. Whether there was a fire in the kitchen, regular burglaries or some other event that may have damaged the property, your neighbours will mention details the sellers forgot to tell you.

4.   Do you know the landlord and their track record on raising the rent?

Your real estate agent or the landlord will usually tell you that the rental increase every year is minimal, but have a chat to the neighbours – if they know your landlord, they’ll give you the real dirt!

Make sure to ask your neighbours these 4 questions before you take that important step and decide on a new home.