Hey, it’s me Alex Wickham. Are you looking for a wicked home?

It’s seems you’ve found it. It’s perfect, it’s got it all. The right number of bedrooms, hardwood floors and granite counters, a fenced backyard for the dog…. But what about the neighbourhood? Is it safe for your little dog Hubert Cumberdale?

Here are the four things you should do when you know nothing about the neighbourhood.

1. Drive by the home at different times of the day. Morning, Noon, and Night. See what kind of people live around there, and what kind of activity goes on. Is that a drug deal, or a hug deal?

2. You should also drive around the surrounding streets and neighbourhoods. Sometimes the street you live on can be safe, but the street two blocks down isn’t. You have to judge for yourself what you’re comfortable with.

3. If you’ve deemed that it’s is safe enough to get out of the car, talk to some of the neighbours. They’ll tell you ALLLLLLLL about what goes on around there. For example, who’s most likely to bring you cookies on move in day, who’s getting a divorce, who’s child recently contracted Rabies. Look, I’m not about gossip, it’s just good to know what your new neighbours might be like. Just one note of advice, try not to talk about yourself too much. You wouldn’t want any of your private information being shared with the sellers, and have it used against you in negotiations.

And lastly…

4. Ask someone who knows the community. If you’re looking in Ottawa…that would be me. (*duh*).

I hope this answers your questions. And hey, if you’re looking for a Wicked home, call Wickham.