Smart House Hunting: Leverage Google Maps to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Your Home Search 🏠

Buying a home can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience, especially when weekends are often filled with Open House visits. Often, after a long day of viewing properties, you realize that many homes simply aren’t worth your time. But fear not! With years of real estate experience, I’m here to share a handy tip that utilizes Google Maps to help you filter out potential duds before you even set foot inside. 🚀 Let’s dive in!

📍 Assess the Surrounding Environment (Identifying Major Red Flags)

Start by opening Google Maps and switching to the satellite view. Here are some crucial factors to check around the property:

• 🚗 Proximity to Highways/Main Roads: Noise and air pollution are unavoidable near busy roads, which can disrupt your peace, especially at night. Use the “Measure Distance” feature to assess how close the property is to major roads. If it’s within 500 feet, proceed with caution!
• 🏘️ Close to Mobile Home Parks: These typically consist of tightly packed homes. Such communities often have a high density of residents and may raise concerns regarding safety and overall living quality.
• 🍔 Backing onto Commercial Areas/Public Spaces: Properties near restaurants or crowded public areas compromise privacy. Expect noise, smells, and potential pest issues. Not to mention, increased foot traffic can pose security risks.
• 🪦 Nearby Cemeteries: A landscape dotted with neatly arranged “little white spots” can signify a cemetery. If this is a concern for you, it’s best to move on!
• ⚡ Beware of Power Lines: High-voltage power lines raise significant electromagnetic radiation concerns and can impact property values. Look closely for power towers and their shadows in the satellite imagery.

🏠 Evaluate the Property Itself

• 🛣️ Road Exposure/Traffic Issues: Homes situated directly across from roads or on the outside of a curve not only face aesthetic concerns but also potential safety hazards from passing vehicles.
• 🤝 Zero Setback Properties: If a home is built with no space between it and the neighbor’s property, this can severely affect your privacy and light exposure.
• 🧱 Added Extensions: If a house’s design looks significantly different from its neighbors, it may have undergone questionable expansions. Always check city records for permits to ensure the modifications are legitimate.
• 🚮 Neighboring Property Conditions: Zoom in to inspect the lot next door. If it’s cluttered with junk, old vehicles, or an unkempt pool, you might be looking at a potential headache down the road.

🕵️‍♂️ Utilize Street View for Extra Insight

Don’t forget to drag the Street View Yellow Person onto the street! This will allow you to:

• Take a close look at the cleanliness of the neighborhood.
• Check whether there are derelict vehicles parked along the roadside.
• Observe whether neighbors maintain their front yards, providing insight into the community’s overall upkeep and pride.

Conclusion

Google Maps is a powerful tool that can help you filter out unsuitable properties before you even leave your home. Don’t waste your weekends visiting houses that don’t meet your criteria. By leveraging technology, you can make smarter choices in your home search and save your valuable time for families and friends. Happy house hunting! 🏡✨