Before you buy, learn about your new community

By NextHome Staff
February 27, 2020

When you’re looking for a new home, it may also involve looking for a new community, and if so, it’s important to learn as much as you can about it.

What you look for in a community is unique to you, your lifestyle and your stage in life. A downtown high-rise condo that is perfect for young professionals or mature adults may not suit young families. Conversely, suburban communities that are great for families may not offer what singles and retirees are looking for. There’s no ‘right or wrong’ community, just the one that’s right for you.

These days, new developments are most often planned communities that range from large-scale projects with hundreds of homes, private enclaves of less than 50 homes, to downtown condo towers. The ideal “community” is a very personal thing that varies from person to person.

It is important to have realistic expectations and know what you’re looking for before you buy into it. As you visit builders’ sales offices, model homes or suites, ask about the community at the same time.

 

Target market

Ask the builder or salesperson to describe the community and the homeowners it is designed for. Inquire about the mixture of homes in terms of size, styles and price range. Some communities, notably those aimed at mature adults and seniors.

Common facilities and community amenities

Builders and developers put a great deal of effort into planning a community that will work well for the intended residents. In a neighbourhood development, common facilities like parks and community centres are part of the plan. In condominiums, a wide range of common amenities can be included, from health clubs and pools, to roof-top terraces and party rooms. Ask what is planned for the community or condominium development you are looking at.

On-going services

Services provided by communities to individual homeowners vary greatly, so be sure to ask for detailed information, including costs. In condominium developments, for example, security and most of the maintenance of areas outside of the individual homeowner suites will be professionally managed. In some neighbourhood developments, services such as gardening and snow removal are sometimes mandatory to keep the community attractive and safe. Seniors’ developments may include health and recreational services. Make sure you know what fees or costs are associated with the services provided.

The complete community plan

It’s the people who make a community work, and its layout and design will affect how residents interact, as well as your daily routine. Look for narrow or curved streets to slow down traffic, and sidewalks and pathways for pedestrians and bicycles for getting around the development easily and safely. Check if shops and service areas are within walking distance, and note the location of schools, access to transportation and connections to other parts of the city or area.

Connect the community to your workplace

Options for getting to and from work should be understood before you commit to buy. If you plan to commute by car, it can be a good idea to drive your commute route at rush hour to get a sense of the time involved. If you plan on using transit, find out about schedules and routes that will work for you.

Source: gohba.ca

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