A Toast to Toastmasters and Other National Clubs
Traveling to another state gets us out of our routine, but for fellow out of state Toastmasters out there, Arizona has many Toastmasters’ clubs. Guests are heartily welcomed. It’s a great way to meet people and get their take on the Grand Canyon state, what they like and what they don’t.
Taking advantage of attending a meeting such as Toastmasters offers the opportunity to chat with people and get the locals’ perspective on the area. Formulating a list of questions may be a good idea such as: Where would you buy a property if you were buying today? Where would you definitely not buy? How is the traffic to get to xyz place? Is there anything you think I should be aware of such as new building, roadway expansion, commercial development coming soon? How is the crime in this area? What about drugs?
Real estate agents must be careful answering questions such as these so they are not guilty of steering. But asking locals such questions is perfectly permissible. Getting the “take” of area from a cross section of the area’s residents, rather than residents who just live in that particular subdivision, may provide a more realistic viewpoint. People who live in a specific subdivision will paint the picture brightly and may not talk about any “downside” to the neighborhood.
An agent can refer buyers to websites such as the crime site or sex offenders site, but this may not give the information a buyer desires to make an informed decision.
Taking an hour or two to attend a local Toastmasters meeting, Rotary, Lions Club, or place of worship with the intent of talking with people who live in the area can reap big rewards. A buyer may find information which the Realtor® does not know.
The added benefit is discovering local haunts, “good hole in the wall restaurants” which can’t afford to advertise in the slick magazines, places to see which may be out of the way, or a local event which is not well advertised.
If you are thinking about a trip to a locale where you are considering purchasing a home, go that extra step, attend a meeting and ask questions!
Tags: Consumer Education, Tucson Real Estate, Tucson Relocation