Is my neighborhood safe?
So many individuals, especially those contemplating a home purchase, want to know whether the neighborhood they’re considering is “safe.” Our definitions of “safety” differ, however. It’s vital, of course, to feel safe in one’s own home. But coming up with an assessment of the safety of the entire neighborhood is outside of the realtor’s purview. In fact, if a realtor were to suggest that one of his/her clients should avoid a certain area for safety concerns, that realtor could possibly be charged with “steering” the client — a violation of our Code of Ethics. Again, one homeowner might only feel “safe” if he or she can jog through the neighborhood at 11:00 pm. Another homeowner might feel that “safe” means never, ever, ever hearing a gunshot. A third homeowner is likely to have another issue that would make overall safety feel within — or out of — grasp.
While I recommend that potential home buyers locate the nearest Police precinct and go talk to the information officers there, there is a suitable weblink one might wish to employ. It’s http://crimemapping.com/map/tn/nashville. As you can see, the information on this website is updated often. It provides a good resource to arm yourself with the information needed to determine whether you feel a neighborhood is “safe.” You can, of course, alter the search area as well.
We want the same thing. We, as realtors, want you to locate a great home and we absolutely understand the importance of safety. But on this issue you need to do a little of the homework yourself.
