Making a move from San Francisco to Marin can be daunting, especially if you have children or are planning to have them in the near future. There is a lot to consider. First steps…
- Explore different neighborhoods. Even if you have lived in Marin before, it is still a good idea to explore different neighborhoods- they have changed dramatically in the last few years. Many people moving from SF think Mill Valley is the only place to be (great downtown, short commute to the city). Mill Valley is a great place to live, but despite what some may tell you- it is not the only place to be in Marin with a short commute.
- Go to open houses on your own and start to discover new neighborhoods, but make sure your real estate agent also takes you out. You may find new neighborhoods that you wouldn’t have thought to explore on your own. If your agent won’t take the time to explore with you, don’t hire them. (Watch for my next post on hiring the best agent for you.) When you go out looking the first couple of times your goal should not necessarily be to find the home of your dreams. Look for neighborhoods you like that meet your needs- proximity to schools and other services that are important to you. Find the neighborhoods that work right for you, get to know the house values, and then start looking for that perfect house.
- Tour schools in the area. Just because a school ranks well based on state testing standards doesn’t mean the school is the right fit for your children.
- If you fall in love with the first house you see, go ahead and try to make it happen (it may not be there later!) BUT make sure you have seen enough houses that you know the home you love is right for you and that the price you pay is fair. Buying a home is a big decision, buyers remorse can be costly.
- Don’t be desperate. If you are desperate, you are more likely to overpay for a property or settle for one that doesn’t fit your needs.
- Think you found the perfect neighborhood? Visit it during the day, at night, and on weekends. Neighborhoods you love during the day may have a completely different feel at night or on the weekend (or vice versa). Talk to residents and ask questions about what they like and don’t like. Close to busy roads, churches, or schools? Visit at peak traffic times to make sure you understand what you are in for.
This blog is cross-posted on MarinMommies.com.