How to evaluate a neighborhood?

Question

When you find a property what tools are you all using to evaluate the location its in and if its a good neighborhood to hold a property?

Marcus Auerbach · Answer

Online tools only get so far, crime stats are a starting point, google street view is next, but nothing replaces a stroll down the street: look, listen, smell...

Gates and security bars, trash, weeds, dead or rusted cars, individuals hanging out - you know what to look for. Most people have a very good sense for the quality of a neighborhood and will know, before they made it to the front door.

Good signs are: maintained flower beds, neat lawns, holiday decoration, nice window treatments, all roofs in good repair, chimenys & windows in good repair,..

Dave Schmidt · Answer

@Corbett Brasington Although we typically don't hold properties for the long term, when underwriting any deal we like to look at the neighborhood. I typically like to look at crime reports for the area on something like SpotCrime.com. If I can not see the deal in person I like to take a "virtual drive" around the neighborhood with Google Streets. And finally, if at all possible I want to talk to locals and people that live on the same street. It is amazing what you will hear from neighbors and others on the same street, some people will tell you every single secret about the block. Honestly, our go to is trying to talk to a couple neighbors but that is not always possible.