What Makes Riverchase A Desirable Community?
The homes in Riverchase are nestled among a forest of trees and situated on hills and valleys that take good advantage of nature’s restless topography. It’s one of the things that sets us apart from other communities and gives us an added charm. But neighborhoods age, houses age, and the seasons take a toll on lawns and shrubbery.
Pat Morgan, successful realtor and long-time resident of Riverchase, says there are three important factors people consider when buying a house: the house itself, the community in which it is located, and its proximity to good schools and shopping.
She recounted a story that goes a long way toward capturing the mindset of many buyers. A potential client called Pat and asked to see one of her listings. As was her habit, Pat got there early, turned on the lights on the inside and met the woman at the door.
The woman paused at the bottom of the steps, “I’ve changed my mind, I know I don’t want this house.”
“You haven’t even seen it,” Pat replied.
“I can tell from the outside that this house has not been well maintained.”
For Pat there was nothing left to say. The shrubs were overgrown and lacked charm, the windows dirty, the house and the driveway needed pressure-washing, the gutters were full of leaves and both the mailbox and the front door needed painting.
Based on a study by the University of Texas at Arlington published in the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, curb appeal can be up to 7 percent of a home’s value.
But maintaining our own property is only one aspect of a healthy neighborhood. In a covenant protected community like ours, it is also the effectiveness of the HOA in helping keep the neighborhood safe and viable. This includes a welcoming first impression when one drives into the community, good lighting that promotes safety on the streets, attention to the maintenance of the trees we are so fond of, and the ability to discourage individual actions that would tend to bring our neighborhood down.
As for shopping opportunities, Pat is very excited about the new Riverwalk Development, off Valleydale Road and Riverchase Parkway, with its proposed restaurants, shops, and healthcare facilities. “This should make Riverchase an even more appealing place for families and anyone else who loves a quiet, well maintained, nature-rich community within a short distance of such desirable amenities.”
So to put this all together, it would seem we in Riverchase have every reason to consider our community a very desirable place in which to live… now, and if we follow some simple homeowner practices, into the future.
