ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Assessing the types and quality of schools is certainly important if you have children — but it can also reflect long-term value for homes in that area. Homes in good school districts typically retain — and accrue — value very well, which is incredibly important if you ever want to resell.
GreatSchools.org scores each school on a scale from 1 to 10, taking into account everything from test scores and college readiness, to discipline issues and teacher-to-student ratios.
CityProtect is a massive interactive crime map that works in connection with 1,000-plus police departments across the U.S. to upload and display the latest crime reports.
This is a great resource if you're buying long distance and want to make sure a house you're interested in is located in a neighborhood you are comfortable with.
The name says it all. When you own a house, you have multiple rooms, and possibly a yard, to keep clean and up to sanitary code. This site gives great, specific tips on all kinds of cleaning tasks.
When looking for a new home, cable and internet may be the last thing on your mind. You’re most likely focused on qualifying for a mortgage or finding a home close to work.
However, you should keep in mind the hurdles and extra costs that come with getting cable, internet, and phone services. And if you're moving to a rural area or planning to work from home, you'll want to make sure you have access to internet speeds that meet your needs.
BroadbandNow.com allows you to search zip codes and your location to see which providers and services are in your area. They include detailed information such as pricing, coverage, set up fees, termination fees, and help you compare one service provider against another.
When determining your monthly budget for your new home, be sure to factor in internet, cable, and phone costs, as spending an additional $60 each month can really add up quickly when you’re strapped for cash.