1) Commute times: Time on the road is time away from your family. Consider the hours you work and discover the real commute time (the driving time at 5:30 a.m. is different than 7:30 a.m.).
2) Schools: Assure you are moving into an area that has schools "similar to" or "better than" your current schools. Compare several resources including a visit to the school. This is not a superficial "scheduled appointment" when all kids are in class and quiet. Visit after school and visit many websites. www.ncreportcards.org is a great website to compare schools. I suggest comparing High Schools regardless of the age of your children. This is the "Big picture" of your neighborhood. Yes, things may change before your child attends High School but these are the teenagers that will be in your area.
3) Your Kids: The "buy in" of your kids are more important than you realize. Unlike yourself which is going back into a familiar professional environment (typically welcoming), your kids are leaving their childhood bonds and beginning over.
4) Your spouse: As mentioned above, you are going into a "familiar work atmosphere". Your spouse must recreate friendships and the feeling of "home". Your spouse is your support and provides the environment for you to excel. Keep perspective.
5) Learn about various neighborhoods, towns and areas. What makes Myers Park attractive? How about Cornelius? Weddington? Ballantyne? What are the pros and cons of each?
6) Please visit the local grocery store. This will be a great way to meet your neighbors.
7) Do not necessarily judge your neighbors by the local Target or Wal-mart. These stores often pull from a much larger radius than your immediate neighborhood (especially Wal-mart). This does not make those stores bad; you first want to learn about your neighborhood.
8) Recreation/Religion: Consider other activities that are important to you. How often do you participate in these activities? That should dictate how high they are on your "priority" scale.
9) The largest home in a city for the lowest price is not always what you are seeking. Consider Charlotte Real Estate as your current city. Do you currently live in the least expensive neighborhood in your city? Why or why not? We, as Americans, make great sacrifices to assure our families have every benefit we can provide. Find the neighborhood you will be proud to call home.
10) Foreclosures: The foreclosure market has changed over the years. It is no longer a dilapidated abandoned home. Many are nice homes; the previous owner just came across hard times. A discounted home is a wonderful thing "IF" it meets all of your other family needs.
Always work with a Realtor you trust and has your personal needs in mind. Be certain your Realtor listens.