How Do I Know if a Neighborhood is Safe?
I think I've been asked that question more times than I can count. As much as I have opinions to give people, I can't. There are laws that keep me from making representations as to any quality of a neighborhood. Not only that, but paragraph 48 of the MAR contract keeps me from ascertaining any information regarding criminal activity or presence of registered sex offenders. Paragraph 50 keeps me from "making representations with respect to the following:" and the list goes on for about 1/3 of the page.
The truth is...I don't know. I'm an agent to a transaction, not an expert. If I make any kind of representation, and I turn out to be wrong, buyers and sellers have made important decisions based on my wrong information. At the worst, I can be sued. At best, people don't like me much:(
One thing I can and will do...point you to the sources for the answers to your questions. Here are a few good ones:
Frederick County Sheriff's Website. This has some good resources. The registry for sex offenders and an interactive crime map, both very valuable.
Washington County Sheriff's Website.
Maryland Schools, Maps, Crime and Housing.
To search for homes, and learn more about Frederick neighborhoods:
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The Highland Group - Real Estate Teams
Chris & Karen Highland
Frederick County MD Real Estate Agents
Specializing in Frederick County Real Estate
301-831-9947
Real Estate Teams, LLC
isell4u2@msn.com
Pictures of Frederick