ONCE YOU HAVE FOUND YOUR AGENT: Do your homework. The most diligent and dedicated agent is not enough when it comes to buying a home.  Due to the internet homebuyers can research potential homes and nighborhoods on their home computer. The internet today is packed ful of resources and information on homes, neghborhoods,school districts etc...   

As good as the internet is in providing information nothing will ever take the place of physically visiting the neighborhood or area you are interested in. You should visit the area several times during different times of the day and weekends. One of the most important things I suggest to my clients and customers is to visit the area after a heavy rain to see if there are any drainage problems. 

Walk the neighborhood, talk to the neighbors, ask questions. One of the most important questions that should be asked is if you had to do it over again would you have bought your home in this neighborhood. You will find that normally will bring forth the information you are looking for. Human nature being what it is most people will be more than happy to tell you their likes and dislikes in the neighborhood.  last but not least if there is a Homeowners Association ask about it. Like everything else there are good and bad Homeowner Associations.