Talk With The Neighbors

Seller's are required to make disclosures but they are not required to read your mind nor are they obligated to disclose information they are not personally aware of. Do not use the disclosure form as a substitute to asking questions and doing your own due diligence. You may have questions about the neighbors, the schools, kids activities, whether or not there are children on the street; if the neighborhood is safe etc.

I recommend the best source if information after asking the owner of course, is to speak with several neighbors personally. Neighbors do not have a vested interest in making the sale go through. They will usually be brutally honest if you are open and friendly with them. This is also a great way of introducing yourself and making new friends.

Information can also be obtained by speaking with the local police, patrol watch if applicable, Chamber of Commerce, Department of Building and Safety, Health Department, Department of Public Works and Home Owner Association President if applicable. Crime reports are usually available by speaking with the local police or neighborhood watch block captains.

For school information, meet the school principal one on one, and arrange to sit in on a class in progress if possible. Also speak with the neighbors about the local school to find out if most children in the neighborhood are attending the public schools vs. attending private schools.

The school issue is an important one to many people and you will want that information up front. You will also want to know how safe the neighborhood is to gage whether you are comfortable letting the kids walk to school and play out front. Again, neighbors are your best source of information.

Ask lots of questions and learn from everyone. This will keep you informed and comfortable moving forward.

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~~ This article was written by Ron Wynn - 8/2000 ~~

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