KNOW THE NEIGHBORHOOD ‘Window shop’ before buying a new home WHEN YOU notice a For Sale sign on a lawn, it is im- Portant to remember that the neighborhood is also includ- ed in the price. Because home buyers essentially purchase lifestyles for themselves, the neighborhood they. choose should cater to their percep- tion of how life should be. If you are considering home ownership, it’s a good idea to go window shopping through afew neighborhoods first — look- ing not at homes, but at what goes on around them. But before you start tour- ing certain areas, try to nar- row down your search for the neighborhoods which most suit your lifestyle. One way to become knowledgeable about any neighborhood or community is to look, at local road maps. A good map has in- formation about churches, libraries, schools, hospitals, recreation and ‘community centres, airports, railway lines, parks and waterways. You can also determine which highways would be useful to you in. terms of business and pleasure. A second way to familiar- ize yourself with certain areas is to phone or write to local government offices re- questing any information they may have to offer new residents to the community. Most government offices provide pamphlets and printed information on local community organizations and public transit systems. The resale potential of any home you might oe interest- ed in is an important con- sideration. As always. loca- tion, in relation to local in- dustry, transportation, and community services, is a ma- jor influence on property values. Since future development plans for the neighborhoods you're interested in have most likely been established, i’s a good idea to contact local real estate agents to find out what they are and what effect they may have on the resale value of your home. When you've accumulated all the information you can about a community, and you’ve picked areas . that seem best for you — it’s ._ time to take out your walk- ing shoes. Try to capture the at- mosphere of the community. Properties that have well- maintained exteriors will probably have well-main- r a tained interiors. Ask yourself some serious ques- tions about the neighborhood. Do the homes you are walking by reflect pride of ownership? Will children laughing and playing on sidewalks bother you or might they be potential friends for your children? Do the focal plazas and their allure for your teenagers make you ap- prehensive or are you glad the stores are within walking distance? {s there a recre- ation centre nearby?. How densely populated is the community and how well do the community services and amenities fulfil the needs of these people? You may want to stop local residents and ask ques- tions. Introduce yourself as a potential homeowner in the community and inquire about their likes and dislikes, Local residents may warn you about the neighborhood or welcome you into it; if nothing else, you'll meet potential neighbors. Were you impressed? (Courtesy of Royal LePage Residential Real Estate Ser- vices) ai “Frida, Oekimbier iB 1987 Na ‘Lo Rensingto the fth Share ‘News A FINE LIFESTYLE INSIDE J AND OUT IN THE HEART OF) NORTH VANCOUVER ONLY 4 LEFT 444 Lonsdale * Concrete building * Close to Quay and Seabus e Landscaped grounds with private patio and heated pool ¢ Sauna — whirlpool — exercise room ¢ Large balconies * Secured underground parking « 5 kitchen appliances 2 bedroom from $102,000 ALL VIEWS NOT AS ILLUSTRATED OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 2-4:30 PM Francoise Band , Gerry Milligan. A proven sales record with over 100 sales in 1987 TONY ROSSETTI 0. 985-8231 DOUGLAS HOUSE got ieee; hs see 3 BDRM STRATA One level 3 bdrm strata suite with parking at your front door. Includes insuite laundry and storage too. Must be sold, receivership. Offers to $75,900, Spotiessly maintained 4 bdrm (2 down), cenitral- ly located home with glearning hardwood floors, 2 {ull baths, and a super double garage with at- tached workshop. $140's. GRAND BOULEVARD Character home lovers see this Grand Boulevard 4 bdrm -home with cross hall dining room, gracious living room and new oak kitchen. $190’s. Located in the fabulous Douglas House this sun- ny west corner 2 bdrm, 1000 sq.ft, suite has a gas burning fireplace and a very generous siz- ed master bedroom. $97,500. #104-141 East 18th. id of GREAT VALU E Superb sunny 66' private fenced lot plus a beautifully maintained 1 owner home with fully developed bsint. Includes 4 bdrms (2 down), den, and extra large dining room. $157 000 A ve bandilagth boSzal Mae i WATER i EW Superb Deep Cove water view from this 3 level contemporary home with up to 5 bdrms. An ex- citing location. $224,000. H. 980-0243 RB iBUR MMS Fas ‘SIMPLY SENSATIONAL Spacious and luxurious 2. bdrm, 1% bathroom, sunny south facing suite with gas fireplace, in- suile laundry, and superb finishing. $99,500. SELBROOK AREA 'Great west of Lonsdale Delbrook location. In- cludes a super new oak kitchen, a family room with fireplace and an 80’ potentially subdividable lot. $157,500. wn Ae , = UPPER DELBROOK Cut-de-sac located 4 bdrm Cape Cod in superior Delbrook tocalion. includes a tabulous indoor pool. $260’s. 985-9544 Rar LEVEL LOT. The 59" level fenced tot is just one speciat feature of this 3 bdrm ranch style home with part. bsmt, § master ensuite, and economical hot water heat. { $120's, CONTEMPORARY FLAIR Fabulous blend of contemporary and traditional. Many special features including glass block, wall, sunken family room, 3 full baths, hot tub, and much more. Immed. Pet available, haistmas “(Dishes May your holiday be filled with seniles and laughter!