Q: What questions should a buyer ask about the neighborhood?

A: Many inner-city neighborhoods in which I work are relatively high-density; 6,600 square feet is a large lot in the Heights. Some of the townhomes have less than 2,000 square feet of land. That makes for close quarters and plenty of opportunity for neighbors to impact your quality of life -- in good ways and bad.

Go back at different times of the day and week to see what goes on around the home during (the) option period. Meet the neighbors, but more importantly, listen for loud noises and nuisance pets. If your concern is about crime, have the seller respond in writing to questions about any trouble they’ve had. You can also check for insurance claims and police reports they’ve made. This way,

you will know what to expect, even if you decide the garage band next door sounds pretty good after all.

Your neighbors’ dogs usually stop barking at you after they get to know you. Also remember that quiet neighbors could move out tomorrow, and new noisy ones could move in, so be realistic

or you might never buy a home. Urban dwellers seem to work it all out with a little patience.