March 27, 2009

Why Won't My Realtor Answer These Questions?

Posted to Janis Hartley

A business acquaintance recently asked me, “Why won’t my sister’s realtor answer her questions?” It seemed like a fair question – and I was intrigued. What were those questions the realtor wouldn’t answer? After a little investigative questioning on my part, it became clear that the buyer wanted to know which were the “neighborhoods to avoid – and which were the best school districts.” Federal Fair Housing laws prohibit real estate agents from steering buyers towards or away from neighborhoods. While we cannot and should not, supply crime statistics, test scores for schools, and demographic information that would in any way violate these laws, we can and should offer resources to buyers for obtaining this information. Because I raised two children in both Kenosha and Walworth counties, I’m often asked to comment upon schools. My answer is always the same: “Each school has its own strengths.” Visit the website for the town you’re considering (in Lake Geneva it’s www.lakegenevaschools.com/; in Williams Bay, it’s www.WilliamsBay.k12.wi.us) and do your own research.

Talk to the police department and ask them for information regarding crime in the neighborhood; then do a web search and confirm what you’ve learned through local enforcement. The best way to find out what you want to know is to visit the neighborhood on different days and at different times. You will get a good idea of the tempo and climate of your potential neighbors by simply strolling down the street and asking lots of questions. Meet and greet – its social networking the old-fashioned way.

If you want to know more about Geneva Lake and its environs, visit me on the web at www.SellingLakeGeneva.com. I can also be found on Twitter.

Posted By: Janis Hartley

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