There are lots of factors to consider before buying a property, but one that shouldn't be overlooked is doing a little research about the local and surrounding crime rate.
A property may otherwise seem perfect, but if it has a high overall crime rate - or consistently experiences a rash of a certain type of crime - that can be a turnoff to a lot of people.
There are obviously different types of crimes, as well as different classifications.
In general, misdemeanor crimes are less severe than felonies, with both felonies and misdemeanors having sub-categories of severity - usually with labels like "First Degree" and "Class A," respectively.
These classifications vary from state to state, so it's important to understand what your local jurisdiction defines each as before you start looking at the numbers.
And while there are different types of crimes - violence, arson, auto theft, larceny, burglary, assault, robbery, rape, murder, etc.
- each area may group crimes together differently than other areas.
That's why, when researching crime rates, it's best to go straight to the source.
A local police department should have all the information regarding local crimes, and should be able to go back a few years.
Be sure to ask them what they classify as a "violent crime" or what constitutes "sexual assault" in order to fully understand the types of crimes you're dealing with.
Depending on the type of crime that is prevalent in a certain area (although the hope is that none are especially prevalent) there may be certain precautions you can take to protect the property from that crime.
For instance, if the most significant crime in the area is auto theft, you can install a secure garage door.
Having strong locks on all the doors to the house and a working alarm system could also help assuage any fears a potential buyer may have.
As you're doing your research, be sure to compare the area to surrounding areas, as well as both national and state crime rates.
A certain crime may seem a bit high to you, but when compared to everywhere else in the state, you may actually be in the middle of the safest area within 100 miles.
As part of this research, especially if there is a possibility children could be living on the property, is to check out the sex offender registry.
Again, the local police department should have a list, but there are plenty of websites that are connected to the federal registry and provide interactive maps.
Obviously, the lower the crime rate, the better.
However, doing your research beforehand will not only give you better perspective and context, but you'll be able to make appropriate plans and precautions to counteract any potential local crime.
A property may otherwise seem perfect, but if it has a high overall crime rate - or consistently experiences a rash of a certain type of crime - that can be a turnoff to a lot of people.
There are obviously different types of crimes, as well as different classifications.
In general, misdemeanor crimes are less severe than felonies, with both felonies and misdemeanors having sub-categories of severity - usually with labels like "First Degree" and "Class A," respectively.
These classifications vary from state to state, so it's important to understand what your local jurisdiction defines each as before you start looking at the numbers.
And while there are different types of crimes - violence, arson, auto theft, larceny, burglary, assault, robbery, rape, murder, etc.
- each area may group crimes together differently than other areas.
That's why, when researching crime rates, it's best to go straight to the source.
A local police department should have all the information regarding local crimes, and should be able to go back a few years.
Be sure to ask them what they classify as a "violent crime" or what constitutes "sexual assault" in order to fully understand the types of crimes you're dealing with.
Depending on the type of crime that is prevalent in a certain area (although the hope is that none are especially prevalent) there may be certain precautions you can take to protect the property from that crime.
For instance, if the most significant crime in the area is auto theft, you can install a secure garage door.
Having strong locks on all the doors to the house and a working alarm system could also help assuage any fears a potential buyer may have.
As you're doing your research, be sure to compare the area to surrounding areas, as well as both national and state crime rates.
A certain crime may seem a bit high to you, but when compared to everywhere else in the state, you may actually be in the middle of the safest area within 100 miles.
As part of this research, especially if there is a possibility children could be living on the property, is to check out the sex offender registry.
Again, the local police department should have a list, but there are plenty of websites that are connected to the federal registry and provide interactive maps.
Obviously, the lower the crime rate, the better.
However, doing your research beforehand will not only give you better perspective and context, but you'll be able to make appropriate plans and precautions to counteract any potential local crime.
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