Searching for a new home is an exciting yet tedious process. Just because there is work involved does not mean that it cannot be done quickly and efficiently. As long as you know what to ask and where to look, you’ll be in good shape. All it takes is a little detective work. Here are ten things to look for when searching for a new place to call home.

Finding an Affordable New Place to Live

We would all like to live in the swankiest of areas in town, but for obvious reasons (read: money) this may not always be the best option. Begin calling mortgage lenders to see what types of loans you qualify for. Do not worry about inquiries to your credit because it will be obvious to the credit bureaus when you are rate shopping. You are allowed as many credit inquiries as you like within a 14-day time period while only having your credit report show one. Once you have this information, a good rule to keep in mind is that your monthly mortgage payment should be about 30 to 35 percent of your take-home pay.

Take Advantage of Government Programs

If you fall into a low-income category you will also want to contact your local Department of Housing and Urban Development. They have 32 programs available to assist those in financial need attain safe, decent housing that is not necessarily in a housing project. An example is Section 8 housing programs that will pay for up to 30 percent of a mortgage if you qualify.

Research Crime Statistics

Do not be deceived by the look of the home you hope to purchase or the neighborhood it’s located in. You never know what sort of criminal activities take place in your area. Be sure to contact the local police department to check on crime statistics. Usually, this can be done over the Internet as most police departments now offer information on 911 calls that were answered in the previous year.

Check Out the Schools

If you have children, look into the local school district. The Department of Education, or even the local district, will provide information on particular schools. See if they are in compliance with state and federal education standards. You could also consider a visit to the potential school to interview the principal and gain a better understanding of what the school has to offer.

Talk to the Natives

If you have found a house that suits your needs, why not knock on a few doors? Talking to your potential neighbors will clue you in to the good and bad events of the neighborhood. You should also talk to them about any potential homeowner's association problems and the average cost of bills in the winter and summer. Taking this extra step will help you budget for the future and avoid any surprises. 

Consider Your Commute

This step is simple. Either use the Internet for mileage information or actually drive the route, but make sure you figure out whether or not your morning and evening commutes to work will be manageable.

Test Out the Traffic

Ask a potential neighbor or visit the area in the mornings and evenings to determine the level of traffic that you can expect to sit through during your daily commutes. More than a few people have purchased homes in seemingly great neighborhoods only to find that the drive to work is horrendous because of traffic. "Who cares, I'm getting a great price on the house!" is the thought process. Well, that cheap price might cost you hours of sitting in nightmarish traffic because of a two-lane highway that feeds the residential area. Find out what sort of traffic conditions you can expect before you make a purchase.

Find Out About Airport Traffic

Most people do not realize the importance of this step until it is too late. Always check to see if there is a local general aviation airport nearby. If so, they will surely offer flight training so the possibility of aircraft flying over late at night is almost a certainty. Be sure to also contact airport officials to find out if there are any cargo operators that fly in. Most of these operators fly small corporate jets that arrive and depart between one and four in the morning.

Internet Issues

Check the Internet before purchasing in a community. If there are serious issues in the area, surely someone has made it completely public information.  Make sure that you check with your local Better Business Bureau office to ensure that there are no issues with the builder or homes in the neighborhood.

Realtors

This may sound a little cheesy, but as the saying goes, "Always consult a realtor." These people are valued professionals and generally have the inside track into each and every housing community in which they work.