08/09/2026
It's easy to fall in love with a house during a 30 minute showing.
But the house is only part of what you are buying. The street and neighborhood matter too.
Before writing an offer, I always recommend driving by the home at a few different times of the day.
☀️ 7 AM
See what your morning commute might actually look like. Pay attention to school traffic, buses, garbage trucks, and how busy the street feels on a weekday morning.
🏡 3 PM
This is when the neighborhood starts to come alive. Kids are getting home, people are returning from work, and more cars may be parked along the street. It could feel completely different than it did during your showing.
🌙 9 PM
This is the drive most buyers forget to make.
Is parking still easy to find? Are there enough streetlights? Can you hear barking dogs, loud music, or a lot of traffic? This gives you a much better idea of what an average evening may feel like.
One more tip: Drive through on a Friday or Saturday evening too. Weekend activity can tell you a lot about a neighborhood.
Paint colors can change. Floors can be replaced. Kitchens can be remodeled. But the street, the surroundings, and the neighborhood are part of the deal too. Make sure you love more than just the house.
Amber Marchioni
Realtor® | Coldwell Banker Realty
Michele Donovan Group
513 675 6009
[email protected]
