The first step in a successful move is finding the right new community. Our Our Community Checklist will help you identify your needs in terms of general location, attributes, and convenience. If you have school-age children, use our Schools Checklist to evaluate the school system in your prospective new community.

• Look for signs, such as home improvement activity, indicating that the neighborhood is either stable or will improve.
• Consider the quality of the school system, which is a major factor in determining property values.
• Taxes may be lower and homes more affordable in less "fashionable" areas.
• Take a test drive at rush hour to determine commuting time and to find out if bus transportation is available for your school-age children.
• Check the local zoning ordinances (for commercial development, undeveloped land, etc.), since housing often holds its value when the area is carefully zoned.
• Consider the demographics of the neighborhood: average age, educational background, occupations, income level, and lifestyle compatibility.
• Consider safety issues, such as the incidence of crime and the location of the fire station, police station, and hospital.
• Check if property taxes and real estate assessments are recalculated at the time of resale and if there is potential for any special assessments (for sewers, waterlines, etc.) or tax increases due to rapid community growth.

Look for a home that not only meets your everyday needs but will sell quickly and profitably should you move again.