Homebuyers -- Have You Considered the Crime? | RealtyPin.com

NEW YORK, March 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- So, you're searching for a home, and you think you've found the perfect fit. It's got all of the bedrooms you need, the square footage seems perfect, and you've got more storage space than you know what to do with. Time to sign on the dotted line and reserve a moving truck, right?!

Not so fast!

Before you make an offer, pack up the kids, get the keys, and move in, there's one very important thing that you've got to consider - the crime. After all, your dream home isn't much of a dream come true if it isn't in a safe location!

RealtyPin.com's top Reasons to Move to Florida

The real estate experts on Realtypin.com always say that you need to look for a house that FEELS like home. However, that feeling extends way beyond the four walls and roof that you're buying. You're also buying the neighborhood around them, so if you don't feel at home walking to your car at night or while your kids are playing in the front yard in the afternoon, this isn't the home for you.

If you want to get an accurate picture of the crime that goes on around your dream home, here's what you need to do before you make an offer:

RealtyPin.com's mortgage tips:

How To Avoid Mortgage Fraud

- Do a sex offender search

Sex offenders are required to register their home addresses with local authorities, and the information is public record. A quick Google search will tell you if any sex offenders live in the area. That way, you'll know exactly who your neighbors are before you move in!

- Check with the local police department

They'll have Significant Activity reports every day that will list addresses, times, and offenses that they had to deal with. (You may even be able to access these reports on their website.) By looking at a few of these reports, you'll be able to tell where the hotbeds of crime are in the area - and if your potential home is in the middle of one! Don't just look for major crimes, like murders and robberies, though. Things like a rash of car burglaries or lots of vandalism can make the time you spend in this house very unpleasant, too!

- Talk to the neighbors

They'll know about things that the seller's realtor may not want to tell you - like if the home was used as a meth lab, for example. A quick chat with a few of the people on the block can give you some good insight as to what this neighborhood is REALLY like.

Media Contact:

James Paffrath RealtyPin.com, 1-(866) 960-8649, james@realtypin.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE RealtyPin.com