Stating the Facts About Real Estate

If you love the mountains and the rolling hills, you might be thinking about investing in mountainside real estate. In addition to offering you beautiful views of both the mountains and the nearby valleys, mountain real estate also gives you the chance to enjoy clean, fresh air and lots of new sights you simply won't see in the city. Here are three things you should be prepared for when you purchase mountainside real estate and how they could impact your real estate deal.

1. Clear Skies 

The further up you live, the better the view of the sky. Many mountainside home communities value their view of the stars in the sky so significantly that they may even impose light pollution restrictions. For instance, there may not be as many streetlights out, and individuals may be asked not to have bright uplighting in their homes or yards. 

Before you invest in a mountainside lot of land, find out as much as you can about city ordinances, especially involving light. Read the city newsletters, and drive through the neighborhoods at night to see what the area looks like. In addition to getting a firsthand view of the starry night, you may also be able to learn more about which restrictions to expect. 

2. More Wildlife

If you love wildlife, living next to a mountain can give you the views of animals you would never get to enjoy living in a suburb. From hummingbirds and butterflies to deer and other larger game animals, it is important to understand which kinds of indigenous animals you should expect to travel around your home. 

Learn about the common types of animals in your area, and if you get the chance, talk with people who already live in the area to describe animals they have seen. If you plan on planting a garden or installing expensive landscaping, make sure those plants won't attract the wrong kinds of creatures. 

3. Winter Driving Challenges

When you move to a hilly area, you may be faced with driving challenges, such as steep terrain, deeper wintertime snow, or slick roads during certain times of the year. Think carefully about how steep roads and driveways are in the area, and consider getting a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you are worried about getting around in bad weather. 

While there are certainly many things to think about when you gear up to purchase a new home, doing the right things ahead of time could help you to be prepared for surprises along the way. Whenever you think about buying a new home, work with a real estate agent with years of experience working in your area. Make sure they completely understand what you are looking for and what your personal timeline is for moving into the new place.