How do I find homes for sale
Since the emergence of internet listings, looking for homes for sale has never been easier. An oft quoted statistic is that 80% (and rising) of buyers start their new home search on the web. You can search on-line listings and search for homes based on a bunch of different criteria, not just price and number of bedrooms. The general public has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which will list the vast majority of homes for sale. These listings nearly always have photos, with some having virtual tours. Note that some listings, particularly For Sale By Owner (FSBO) are generally not listed on the MLS. May not be willing to pay for having their property listed with the the multiple listing service.
On this website you can register for Realty Watcher and save your search criteria to automatically have real estate listings that match those settings e-mailed to you as soon as they go on the market. You'll probably get property listing updated faster than your agent can get them to you. You can update your search whenever you want to. You just need to enter you name and a legitimate e-mail address. Don't worry, you don't have to give your phone number or address. You can still search for homes without providing any information or needing to register.
Note that you can search by using an interactive map option which will give you an immediate look at where homes in your price range are located in the neighborhood(s) you are searching.Also, you can use different types of map settings such as satellite and hybrid maps.
Other ways of finding homes for sale include:
• Newspapers, particularly the Sunday real estate sections.
• Real estate websites such as Craig's List.
• Drive around, write down listing numbers from flyers, go home and review on the MLS for additional info.
• Open houses. Look out for those A-frame shaped signs on street corners on Sundays. If you see them mid week, that's a Broker's open, but you can still go and have a look.
• Model homes for new construction in new developments that are open all week.
• Word of mouth. Spread the word that you are looking to buy a home by using e-mail or your Facebook account for instance.
If you see a home that might meet your needs, call your agent and ask him or her to set up an appointment to see it. That's what they're there for.
Property tours (home tours)with your agent
After you have sat down with your agent and discussed your likes and dislikes, price ranges, neighborhoods, etc., they will have a much better picture of what you are really interested in. If you bring along your wish list, your agent will be even happier.
Usually within a few days, the agent will put together a list of homes for the two of you to go on a properties tour. The more information you provide your realtor in advance, the more targeted the tour will be.
The main purpose of this tour is for the agent to get a better, clearer picture of what might work for you. Your agent might test you by showing you homes that are a different than what you requested, just to see how you react. If the agent keeps showing you stuff you're not interested in, then the agent has not listened to you properly. You have no obligation to keep working with a bad realtor.
Based on what the agent has learned on the homes tour, he or she will have a much clearer understanding of your likes and dislikes. However, it's not uncommon for buyers to say one thing and then fall in love with something completely different. But such is life!
In general, your agent will drive you around to see homes a couple of different times. After that, the agent will be more selective in what he shows you and may be on a more case by case basis. Likewise, if you see properties that look promising, contact your realtor and arrange a viewing.
Viewing homes and what to look for.
When out looking at homes either with your agent or by yourself make sure to bring your wish list with you. You will need your list to act as a reality check .
The most important thing is that you look at the home objectively, particularly if you are a first time buyer. Working with an agent who is looking out for your interests instead of theirs will be a major advantage in these situations. Finally, remember that someday down the road, you may want to sell your home, so buy something that will sell itself.
When viewing homes, try to visualize yourself sitting in the living room on a Sunday morning, cooking in the kitchen, coming home after a hard day's work, your kids (and dog) running around the place or looking for quiet space to escape to. If you can't see any of those things, time to look at the next property. If the answer is a "maybe", you can always come back for a second look.
If you are interested in a particular home, then take the time to do a more thorough look. I have put together a free home inspection forms that you can use when viewing such homes. You can print out multiple copies of this form and take them with you when you go to preview properties.
Note that if you do move forward with making an offer, you will have the option of doing a full inspection of the property conducted by a professional.
Write down the name of the property at the top of the home inspection form, add the date you visited and then start snooping. For example, when checking out floors, lift up all rugs and check underneath (are the owners hiding something). How does the place smell? Open every door and peek inside, walk outside and look at the roof, siding, etc.
If there are items that concern you, you could have your agent contact the seller's agent to clarify them for you. Sometimes the Sellers Disclosure Statement (Form-17) may already be included with the property's listing on the MLS so that you will know up front potential issues with the home (your agent should supply you with a copy).
Continue to Buyer's step 4. Making an offer to buy and negotiating the offer
Return to Buyer's step 2. My dream home |
