Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate: Should You Google Your Neighbors?

Inspired by recent events, which I have chosen to reveal in limited details, I ponder the question …Should You Google Your Neighbors? For most home buyers, getting to know your neighbors typically takes place after you have moved into your desired neighborhood. However on several occasions, real estate agents and their buyer clients have held minimal conversations with various neighbors while previewing homes.

Chatting with community residents is a normal part of the house hunting process. New buyers want information on the neighbor particulars and existing homeowners are interested in the new buyer. But … how many times have REALTORS® and their buyer clients chatted with an existing homeowner and the conversation seemed a bit odd? For many of us, this has probably happened on more than one occasion. Perhaps you all discussed the occurrence once you returned to the car, shrugged it off, and continued your house hunting endeavors.

Now fast forward a few months ...

The buyer clients have settled into their new home. The REALTOR® has since contacted the buyers on a couple of occasions and all seemed well. One day, the REALTOR® gets a phone call from the buyers. Remember the neighbor you all chatted with a few months ago? You know ... the one that seemed a bit odd. Well as it turns out … the neighbor is a fugitive … on the run for 7 years for multiple felonies. He was apprehended late last night!

In light of this scenario ...

Should You Google Your Neighbors? Of course in this case, it is unlikely that Google would have revealed the neighbor’s true identity because he gave a false name on the day you all met. However, a quick review of the tax records would have revealed that this “odd little neighbor” was not a verifiable homeowner!

... Have You Googled Your Neighbors Lately? ...

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance. My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce. Search MLS Listings now.