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Answers (16)
- Dan Malloy, "Dan Malloy"
- Contributions:286
Living adjacent to RR Tracks will have a negative impact on value...that helps you when you are the buyer, and hurts you when you are the seller.
In some cases, the tracks can be "rarely" used. If you are not familiar with the area, ask questions with the neighbors and a "trusted" Realtor. In my neighborhood, there are one set of tracks. They are only used about once a day - usually in the middle of the night. About 10 miles south of me, there are two adjacent tracks that average 3 - 4 trains a day. It's not unusual to get stopped by a passing train in that city. Homes near those tracks take a bigger hit in value that the homes in my neighborhood. Good Luck!
In some cases, the tracks can be "rarely" used. If you are not familiar with the area, ask questions with the neighbors and a "trusted" Realtor. In my neighborhood, there are one set of tracks. They are only used about once a day - usually in the middle of the night. About 10 miles south of me, there are two adjacent tracks that average 3 - 4 trains a day. It's not unusual to get stopped by a passing train in that city. Homes near those tracks take a bigger hit in value that the homes in my neighborhood. Good Luck!
- Brent Mayes, "Brent Mayes"
- Contributions:16
You sound like you know what you are doing and are aware of the pros and cons of the area. I definitely agree that you should become aware of the sound and try what would be the most loud and annoying time and place of that sound. If you end up purchasing that house that will be what you will hear the most every day, kind of like a faucet dripping:)
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25127
Thanks for the update. It sounds like your rationale is sound. I am sure that there is another house that is out there for you. Keeping looking though and do not be tempted to stop. I bought my current house when no one else was looking over the holidays and it is a keeper.
Good luck and happy house hunting!
Good luck and happy house hunting!
- mcs19
- Contributions:3
Thanks, everyone.
We decided against the property, after much deliberation.
While we think we would be fine with the train in the back of the property (while living in the house), we were definitely concerned about re-sale value -- and, as Shawn pointed out, if we had to sell for financial hardship (if one of us lost our jobs, for example), then we may have a major problem in terms of selling.
Also, an attorney relative also pointed out that the train usage could definitely expand if the easement was broad -- and we had a title company check - it seemed that it could definitely be expanded in terms of more than commuter use.
We really appreciate all of the input!!!
We decided against the property, after much deliberation.
While we think we would be fine with the train in the back of the property (while living in the house), we were definitely concerned about re-sale value -- and, as Shawn pointed out, if we had to sell for financial hardship (if one of us lost our jobs, for example), then we may have a major problem in terms of selling.
Also, an attorney relative also pointed out that the train usage could definitely expand if the easement was broad -- and we had a title company check - it seemed that it could definitely be expanded in terms of more than commuter use.
We really appreciate all of the input!!!
- Linda Strasberg, "L Strasberg"
- Contributions:2315
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- Shawn Ryan Rosa, "sryan1980"
- Contributions:493
try to avoid properties next to railroads, highways, power lines, and even busy local roads. the trains that run behind your prospective home may not bother you at the moment, but you may soon grow tired of the noise and it will definitely turn off a large number of buyers in the future. remember, circumstances change and anything could happen...you may not play to sell it for 20 years and then have to sell in 6 months for any particular reason (job transfer, financial harship, etc.)
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26798
In addition to other comments on the thread about visiting when the trains are running, figure out the schedule for the train. Is it starting to run at 4 am with everyone asleep? Running until 1 am when everyone goes to bed at 10 pm? Are bedrooms on the side of the train?
Noise levels when sleeping seem much louder than with day time chatter, music playing, even outside ambient noise from cars and bicycles and playing little humans is louder.
There are negative health effects of being awoken (even partially awoken) periodically throughout the night routinely (such as higher blood pressure).
Noise levels when sleeping seem much louder than with day time chatter, music playing, even outside ambient noise from cars and bicycles and playing little humans is louder.
There are negative health effects of being awoken (even partially awoken) periodically throughout the night routinely (such as higher blood pressure).
- Omid Kowsari, "Omid Kowsari"
- Contributions:12
I am a broker in Orange County, CA and the highest "Days of Market" numbers you see are for houses that back to a busy streets or railways. For the same reason, it seems you are getting a good deal when buying them - as the price is relatively lower than the other houses in the neighborhood - but you're gonna have a hard time selling it.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25127
An electric train would bother me less so that's really good news and so is the fact that it's passenger rail and not freght. It sounds to me like you are asking all the right questions and doing your research before you buy. That is terrific and I commend you!
- Vince Curtis, "SoCal Appraiser"
- Contributions:4699
Call and talk to LOCAL Realtors or appraisers who can give you an estimate of a hard dollar number of the cost of the proximity to the adversity, then make your decision from there. IE is it worth 10% less ? 20% 2% ?!?! Try to get your arms around the percentage less this home is worth due to the adversity, then make your decision from there.
Here is a link to contact a local appraiser in your area...
https://www.asc.gov/National-Registry/FindAnAppraiser.aspx
Here is a link to contact a local appraiser in your area...
https://www.asc.gov/National-Registry/FindAnAppraiser.aspx
- mcs19
- Contributions:3
Thanks to all for the advice.
A few things that we're also taking into consideration-
As we understand it, Metro North Harlem Line is electrified rail - not diesel - so I think the environmental impact is considerably different than if it were diesel. However, we are still looking into the health risks, regardless. The last thing we want to do is put our daughter (and future children) at risk.
The town told me that it's only passenger trains - no freight - which is also good re: noise and environmental impact (since frieght are likely diesel).
The advice re: listening during different times (and taking into account leaves v. no leaves), gating the area, checking comp sales, etc. is great - I really appreciate everyone's input!!!
A few things that we're also taking into consideration-
As we understand it, Metro North Harlem Line is electrified rail - not diesel - so I think the environmental impact is considerably different than if it were diesel. However, we are still looking into the health risks, regardless. The last thing we want to do is put our daughter (and future children) at risk.
The town told me that it's only passenger trains - no freight - which is also good re: noise and environmental impact (since frieght are likely diesel).
The advice re: listening during different times (and taking into account leaves v. no leaves), gating the area, checking comp sales, etc. is great - I really appreciate everyone's input!!!
- Holly Harris, "Holly H. Harris"
- Contributions:6
Yes do go and listen to the train. Also keep in mind that it may sound different at different seasons, especially if it is located in an area where the leaves are gone in the winter (it will be louder). See if you can find out the listing history of the house. How long has it been on the market this time and if your agent can see market time for past sales. This will give you an idea as to how long you will have to wait for a buyer if for some reason you need to sell in the future. A train will turn off many but not all if it is a good deal and a great house.
If you do decide to buy, fence in the back to help deter the kids and plant evergreens to help filter the sound.
If you do decide to buy, fence in the back to help deter the kids and plant evergreens to help filter the sound.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25127
Buying price is important, but I would not want my kids exposed to the particulate pollution that trains tend to bring. The younger kids are the more impact that train proximity seems to have on their health. Children who grow up next to freeways or train tracks have asthma 30-40% more often from the research I have seen. That is not charming so you need to figure that into your analysis too.
- Paul Dinerstein, "Long Island NY"
- Contributions:64
Hi,
I suggest you try to find comps from the last 2 years of others that back to the train. You seem to like the house a lot and realize that the train causes the price to be lower. If comps show your buying price is in the correct ballpark and you learn that the train sounds and frequency are not a major concern....then why not go for it?
Best, Paul
I suggest you try to find comps from the last 2 years of others that back to the train. You seem to like the house a lot and realize that the train causes the price to be lower. If comps show your buying price is in the correct ballpark and you learn that the train sounds and frequency are not a major concern....then why not go for it?
Best, Paul
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25127
The noise from trains carries a long distance. I think that you are wise go back for a visit while the trains are running. Listen to the noise inside the house and outside and consider how often the train will be running. You are a buyer and if you are concerned, the person who buys the home from you are likely have some of the same concerns.
You can't move the train and for some buyers it will be a deal killer. As far as pollution goes it varies depending on the type of train and whether it is nearby a rail stop/yard. There is some information here and here. The second link has studies at the bottom that you can also take a look at for more information.
I have kids and I would try to avoid living near a freeway or a rail line if possible. The rate of childhood asthma increases with particulate exposure and railroad areas can have previous spills that can impact drinking water. Please do your due diligence. Even though the house is nice, I think that the railroad is a definite negative. Hope the links help.
You can't move the train and for some buyers it will be a deal killer. As far as pollution goes it varies depending on the type of train and whether it is nearby a rail stop/yard. There is some information here and here. The second link has studies at the bottom that you can also take a look at for more information.
I have kids and I would try to avoid living near a freeway or a rail line if possible. The rate of childhood asthma increases with particulate exposure and railroad areas can have previous spills that can impact drinking water. Please do your due diligence. Even though the house is nice, I think that the railroad is a definite negative. Hope the links help.
- Nelson Salazar, "Nelson Salazar"
- Contributions:55
Often times home that are conveniently located have a down side as well. The benefit of being close to town and the train should out weigh the negatives. I have a listing at 26 Sunrise Avenue in Katonah where you can here the train go by but that is part of the charm of being in/close to town.
Backyard of House very close to Train?
I am looking at a property in Westchester County, NY, which is in a gorgeous neighborhood - the house is at the top end of my budget, but it sneaks in there, I believe, for one reason:
Behind the backyard - through foliage - sits Metro North railroad. The distance is about 30-40 feet, downhill, if I had to estimate.
The houses in the neighborhood are in the $1MM+ range (some closer to $2MM) - there are a few houses which are less, because they have this 'train track' issue.
While the tracks are not a danger in terms of our children playing (you really have to go through dense foliage to get to them), we would be worried about noise and health risks.
Re-sale value would be less important - since this would be our long term home - but of course, we would still take that into account.
Does anyone (either realtors or those who have had a similar situation) have any advice about this type of situation? Would we be making a huge mistake?
The home itself is gorgeous - huge, and a humongous front yard - so our children playing would be mostly in the front yard (back yard there is very little land). We plan on going back and listening when the train is scheduled to come by, to see how it sounds in different areas of the house.
Thanks for the advice!
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