Judy Lindsay Team Realty

When your family is looking for the perfect house I tell them that they should consider the neighborhood first. Even before you start thinking about how many square feet you need, ask yourself the following question: what do I need in my new neighborhood?

That simple question can have many answers - depending on who you ask. You should talk with everyone in your family to find out what they consider most important; those answers will vary but ask and keep track of the responses.

Since moving is stressful (or can be) asking questions like this one is an excellent way to get your family to start cheerfully anticipating the move.

What is Important?

When you think about your new home ask yourself the following questions:

• What facilities are important to my family?
  Do you want to be near parks or specific amenities? In Winnipeg all the information to answer these kinds of questions is listed at http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksAndFields/Parks/ParksByName.asp
• What about schools and child care for my children?
  If you have young children and need child care then the Government of Manitoba offers a handy resource called Child Care Online. On this website is a "Looking for Care" research tool that will allow you to search for a licensed day care in your neighborhood. And if your children are of school age then the Education, Citizenship and Youth site should be your destination. On that site is all the information you'll need to choose the right school.
• What about transportation?
  Travel around Winnipeg is quick and easy with the City's transit system which is available (in most areas) 365 days a year from before 6:00 am to after midnight. Complete information can be found at http://myride.winnipegtransit.com/en/ and maps of city routes can be found at http://myride.winnipegtransit.com/en/other/systemmap.

As you start collecting the questions you need to answer you will find that house hunting has become much more relaxed and enjoyable.

You will also find yourself looking at the neighborhoods you travel through with a new eye and a new appreciation.

And, if you have more questions, then that's why the Judy Lindsay Team is here - ask us and see what we have to offer!