Thinking about buying a home? Google the neighborhood!

As a Cape Cod, MA native, I can't help but notice how badly market woes have beaten down real estate in many parts of the area. I've seen condos that sold in the $220,000 range a few years ago listed at $99,000.

I found a unit in Falmouth that is very inexpensive and sticks out as a possible investment property. I wasn't familiar with the address and, wanting to know about the neighborhood before I look any further, I Googled it: "Parker Road" in "Falmouth."

One the first page of matches, I found:

CARREIRO, Ronald J., Jr., 17, 35 Parker Road Apt. 5, East Falmouth; driving uninsured motor vehicle June 5 in Bourne, dismissed upon payment of $100 court cost; driving unregistered motor vehicle, no inspection sticker, not responsible; license plate violation to conceal identification, dismissed.

Winifred Moniz, 73, was found dead shortly after noon Monday in her home on John Parker Road. The victim's husband was mowing the lawn at the time of the alleged attack.

The search for the perfect investment property continues. Moral of story: Google the neighborhood before you buy!