Although Jeff Dowler had Carlsbad buyers in mind when he posted this, those looking for Sussex County NJ homes for sale frequently ask me exactly the same question. His tips for home buyers to investigate safety are as useful in Sussex County as they are in Carlsbad!
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"Is This A Safe Neighborhood?"
How many times have you been asked this question?
If the answer is never, I suspect you are an amazing exception, have a terrible memory, or are lying.
I always find this question a bit troubling.
Not so much the question itself. Heck, I have asked it myself, and have often wondered when buying various homes I have owned. It's very personal, and it touches a very basic need of people - to feel safe and protected in their homes, without undue fear of the outside world.
The reality is this question is a minefield, and providing specific information is probably inappropriate, risky, and perhaps violates local, state or other laws or codes.
The truth is WE do not know. And we shouldn't pretend to. It IS a sensitive question and acknowledging that this IS particularly important is fine. But trying to convince someone that the area is or is not "safe" is a liability.
And it's not that we don't want to be helpful. But to some extent we ARE prohibted from providing this specific information.
But there ARE some things buyers can do.
[photo courtesy of Alan Cleaver on Flickr]
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Check out Megan's Law, the National Sex Offender Database (it's specifically noted in the CA disclosures)
Contact the Local Police Department for the most up-to-date and accurate information on local crimes
Check out the local papers - they often provide local police reports of recent crimes.
City websites also provide some statistics on crime in the area, although this is not really localized and may not be up to date
Chat with the neighbors - who knows better than the neighbors if you want the scoop? Of course you may have to take it with a grain of salt. But it's more information.
Visit Crime Mapping - you can input the home's address and obtain a list of the recent crimes and where they are located relative to the house and during a specific period of time.
City Rating and Neighborhood Scout are other sites buyers have shared with me for a source of crime statistics.
It's important, no essential, that you do YOUR due diligence so you get the information that you need so you can feel comfortable. Or make other decisions.
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
