You should begin your research the moment that you desire to become a homeowner. Prepare for one of the biggest investment decisions that you will make. Preparation prevents you from making quick decisions and helps you to avoid emotional buying. Research Makes the Dream Work!

1. RESEARCH MAKES
THE DREAM WORK!
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.instagram.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

2. You’ve heard the saying, “All that glitters ain’t gold.” Meaning that not everything that looks precious
turns out to be so. Well that same concept can be applied to falling in love with a home at first sight.
Just because the home itself may be irresistible and fully upgraded from roof to crawl space, doesn’t
mean that the community is just as ravishing. In fact, the sad truth is that sometimes people
unknowingly pay top dollar to live in a ruthless neighborhood all because they failed to do research
before making the purchase. Don’t be distracted! Do your research.
Look at the bigger picture before buying a home. Ask yourself, “What type of education will my child
receive? Will I feel safe outside during daylight savings time when it gets darker earlier? Will I feel safe
walking the dog? “Will I have access to public transportation if needed? Is my family going to feel safe
while playing outside? Although some would argue that crime is everywhere, you also don’t have to put
yourself in harm’s way during your 30-year commitment.
Research Makes the Dream Work!
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.instagram.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

3. You should begin your research the moment that you desire to become a homeowner. Prepare
for one of the biggest investment decisions that you will make. Preparation prevents you from
making quick decisions and helps you to avoid emotional buying because it is hard to be rational
and emotional at the same time. Know your desired neighborhood; know your buying power;
and understand the neighborhood demographics so that you can make an informed decision.
Preparation yields confident decisions. And sure, your agent does his/her best to find the right
home for you but you are ultimately responsible for researching the community to find the best
fit for your family. Besides, you are the one who will have to live in the community from day to
day and not only that everyone has different comfort zones.
Doing research protects your interest; helps you to set realistic expectations; and it makes you
feel confident about your buying decision when it comes to the inside and outside of the home.
Research Makes the Dream Work!
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.instagram.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

4. Research Makes the Dream Work!
If necessary, take your tablet, laptop or smart phone with you on the search so that you can do on the
spot research if necessary. In closing,
- Define your needs vs wants
- View homes to set realistic price expectations (visit open houses, view virtual tours online, tour
model homes)
- Take note of sales and rental rates (how many bedrooms can I get )
- Understand that several factors affect the price of a home: size, location, condition,
Here are also some website to help you conduct research so that you can make an informed buying
decision:
Real Estate Market News: www.homesnap.com
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.instagram.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

5. School Research: Ratings & Information:
https://www.schooldigger.com/go/MD/schoolrank.aspx
http://www.psk12.com/rating/USindexphp/STATE_MD.html
http://private-schools.startclass.com/d/a/Maryland
Crime Statistics:
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/dc/washington/crime/
https://spotcrime.com/md
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012 (FBI)
Neighborhoods Demographics:
Visit www.city-data.com
Drive around the neighborhood day, noon and night
Go into the neighborhood stores, library, and/or community centers
Ask the neighbors
Research Makes the Dream Work!
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.instagram.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com

6. Registered Sex Offenders:
http://www.socem.info/
Public Transportation:
https://www.wmata.com/
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1120/TheBus
http://www.dccirculator.com/
http://www.dashbus.com/ (in NOVA)
I hope that this helps! Stay connected with me at
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.instagram.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.diaryofarealestatediva.com
www.divasgethomessold.com
Research Makes the Dream Work!
Brenda Douglas, Diva Realty Group/Keller Williams Preferred Properties
www.facebook.com/realestatedivabrenda * www.instagram.com/realestatedivabrenda
www.divasgethomessold.com | realestatedivabrenda@gmail.com