How Do I Know if This Neighborhood is Safe? - Frederick Real Estate Online (2024)

🏘️Safe Neighborhoods Are Important

Today’s home buyers are looking for a lifestyle as well as a house. The neighborhood is a major consideration, especially when buyers are asking us, how do I know if this neighborhood is safe? I think I’ve been asked more times than I can count. Unfortunately, as much as we may have opinions to give people, as Realtors®, we can’t give those kinds of recommendations.

There are laws that keep me from making “representations as to the ‘quality’ of a neighborhood”.

Not only that, but paragraph 50 of the Maryland real estate contract keeps me from ascertaining any information regarding criminal activity or presence of registered sex offenders. It is unfortunate, but it makes sense when you understand the intent behind Fair Housing laws.

Paragraph 51 of the Maryland forbids real estate agents from “making representations” with respect to the following:

• Water quality
• State of sewage disposal systems
• Assessments of public utilities
• Details of the lot
• Existing zoning
• Soil conditions, flood hazard area, covenants, HOA issues…
• and the list goes on for about 1/3 of the page.

🤓Realtors® Are Experts… of a Sort…

As much as I have opinions about EVERYthing, because I’ve lived in Frederick County for three decades (but mostly 😉 because I am opinionated) the truth is…I don’t really know. As a real estate agent, I’m an agent to a transaction, not an expert in all the details of central Maryland living. If I make any kind of representation, and I turn out to be wrong, buyers and sellers have made important life decisions based on my wrong information. 😨 The results can be = ruining someone’s financial prospects for a period of time, as well as their well-being. If this were to happen, at best, people wouldn’t like me much, at worst, I could be sued.😱

When a real estate agent offers advice on anything outside of the scope of their license, whether it is offering an opinion on the discovery made in a home inspection, or even if it is as simple as which school district the resident attends, they are on dangerous ground. These are items that are not in the expertise of the agent.

The expertise of a real estate agent is this: in the transaction, in the negotiation, in the marketing of homes, and in representing their client’s best interests. Maryland law and the National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics spells this out clearly:

Realtors® shall NOT “advise the public on matters outside thescope of their real estate license”.

Using an experienced local buyer’s agent is important for many reasons, and neighborhood knowledge is certainly one of them. Even though we can make no representations in the qualities of a neighborhood, one thing we can and will gladly do…is point you to the sources for the answers to your questions.

Here are a few good ones:

⚠️How Do I Know This Frederick MD Neighborhood is Safe?

Frederick County Sheriff’sWebsite. This has some interactive maps that are excellent resources.

• The Property Explorer
• National sex offender registry
• School Finder
• Parks and Recreation Map

Sources from Surrounding Areas in Central Maryland

• Washington County Sheriff’s website.
• Montgomery County Sheriff
• Howard County Sheriff
• Carroll County Sheriff
• Anne Arundel County Sheriff
• Baltimore County Sheriff

📞Pick Up the Phone

You can also call the police department closest to an address you are looking at. Ask them about a neighborhood… it’s their job!

Once (15 years ago or more) Chris was showing a beautiful home to a buyer…newly renovated to-the-nines! The buyer noticed the back fence had barbed wire along the top and asked about it. We not only had no idea, we couldn’t account for it, so we gave them the number of the nearest police station. The next day they reported to us all the gory details of drug sales in the alley behind the home. Buyers MUST do their due diligence! (and needless to say…they kept looking.)

The Best Frederick County Neighborhoods

🚸How Do I Find the Best Frederick Schools?

School districts definitely have an impact on home values. We’ve known for years that good school districts attract young families with children. However, recent studies show much more to the story.

According to a recent Realtor.com study, homes in the best school districts, on average, sell for higher prices than similar homes in less-popular school districts. There are several correlations to account to the statistical evidence that home values are higher in the best school districts, but we don’t really know. It would certainly seem that good schools affect home values, even probably that they protect home values.

If you’re researching Frederick schools:

• Start at FCPS.org
• School Digger
• Niche.com
• Great Schools

Additional Reading: Top Ranking Frederick County High Schools

FAQ’s to Determine the Safety of a Neighborhood

Questions to ask in your research regarding neighborhood safety:

1. How can I assess the safety of a neighborhood?

To evaluate the safety of a neighborhood, consider crime rates, community engagement, and public services. Websites like Neighborhood Scout provide detailed crime statistics.

2. What are the key indicators of a safe community?

Look for low crime rates, well-maintained public spaces, active neighborhood watch programs, and positive community involvement. Safe communities often have a strong sense of unity.

3. Where can I find reliable crime statistics for a specific area?

Online platforms like Spot Crime .com and local police department websites offer up-to-date crime data. Analyzing historical trends can give you a clearer picture of the area’s safety.

4. Are there specific signs of a well-patrolled neighborhood?

Visible law enforcement presence, well-lit streets, and quick response times to incidents are indicators of a well-patrolled neighborhood.

5. How important is community involvement in ensuring safety?

Communities with active residents and neighborhood associations often experience lower crime rates. Engaged citizens contribute to a safer and more vibrant neighborhood.

6. What role do schools play in neighborhood safety?

Safe neighborhoods often have reputable schools. Research school ratings and reviews to gauge the educational environment, as it reflects the overall community atmosphere.

7. Should I talk to current residents about their experiences?

Absolutely. Speaking to current residents provides firsthand insights into the neighborhood’s safety. Attend community events or connect through local social media groups to gather opinions.

8. How can I identify potential safety hazards in a neighborhood?

Look for signs of neglect, such as abandoned properties, poorly lit areas, and inadequate infrastructure. These can be indicators of safety hazards that might affect the overall well-being of the community.

9. Is there a correlation between property values and neighborhood safety?

In many cases, safer neighborhoods experience stable or increasing property values. Statistics bear this out. Researching property trends and values in the area can give you an idea of the overall neighborhood stability.

10. What resources can help me stay informed about neighborhood safety?

Stay informed by subscribing to local news outlets, participating in community meetings, and utilizing online platforms that provide real-time updates on neighborhood safety.

Remember, a comprehensive understanding of a neighborhood’s safety involves considering multiple factors and sources of information.

🏠Search for Homes in Central Maryland

🏘️Learn more about Frederick Neighborhoods

Need A Real Estate Agent in Your City? We Can Refer a Great Agent!

Chris Highland , eXp Realty –Specializing in Central Maryland Real Estate
301-401-5119 Cell,
888-860-7369 Broker

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