Whenever you're looking at a property for sale, it's important to consider not only the house itself, but also the other homes, businesses, and neighborhood features around it. When you come across a home that's next to a park, there are some unique things to consider before you put an offer in on that home.
How busy is the park?
Try visiting the home a few different times throughout the week -- like on the weekend, on a weekday evening, and during the day on a weekday. You don't have to contact the realtor or go inside the home all of these times. Just walk by and observe what is going on at the park. Is it really busy all of the time, or do there seem to be certain hours when it attracts more people? On the other hand, is the park always so vacant that you fear it may attract mischievous kids or ne'er-do-wells? Consider whether the park's level of busyness -- and the noise it generates -- is compatible with your lifestyle or might pester you if you live in the home.
Does the park contain amenities you'd take advantage of?
Having a park essentially in your yard could be a real advantage if the park actually has amenities you enjoy. For instance, if you're a soccer player, living across the street from a soccer field could save you so much driving time! On the other hand, if the park does not contain amenities you like -- for instance, if it's a dog park and you don't own a dog -- then you won't want to consider the park a "pro" when comparing this home to others you're interested in.
How well-maintained in the park?
A beautiful, well-manicured park could increase your home value since it makes the view out your windows so much nicer. On the other hand, a park that's getting a bit rundown may be an eyesore. If the landscaping or equipment in the park is looking a bit worse for wear, look into the organization responsible for the park. It might be the town, the city, or a private group. Ask what their plans are for maintaining or remodeling the park. If there are plans to do this in the future, then it would be a shame to say "no" to the home because of the current eyesore park across the street. On the other hand, if they have no plans to update the park, you might want to walk away from the house before things get worse.
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