House Hunting: How do you search for a home?

Jan 27, 2022 | House Hunting

Family prepares to look at possible new home.

You have everything in the bag. Pre-approval, ✅. Realtor®, ✅. Comfortable affordable price point, ✅. But where and how do you search for a home? A great way to start is by checking out my website: www.soldbydianabrooks.com 😉. Websites like homes.comrealtor.com, or zillow.com are also great places to begin your search. When working with a Realtor® usually they will have some additional ideas on how to get going. This will help you get off to a great start in your home searching venture. In this article we will suggest a few ways we can get you on your way to home ownership!

How do you search for a home? Dynamics and tactics

Since you should have already established a good price range it would be good to have some specific amenities or dynamics you prefer like amount of bedrooms and baths, locations/neighborhoods, etc. Of course this could change, but it would help to establish a starting point regarding neighborhoods, shops, schools, nearby family, etc. This comes in very handy when you are on websites and you want to narrow down the search which could at times consist of many homes if you are searching a very wide area.

Once you’ve established areas where you believe you want to live your Realtor® can help by setting up an email drip with the MLS in your area. This will enable you to receive an alert when homes become available in your market at your desired price points.

Scheduling and Determination

Make sure your Realtor® knows your schedule and understands clearly when you prefer to go out and see homes. In this way the Realtor® can set up appointments for you and work out the necessary scheduling so that you can have a good visit at the prospective homes.

Depending on the market, you may find it difficult to find something you truly like. DON’T GIVE UP. At times the search can seem a bit arduous and you may want to quit or change your Realtor®. This is usually not the answer. Patience and dedication will pay off in the long run. Stay the course. Something will come up just give it time. You may also need to think about expanding and/or adjusting your search areas, wants and needs.

Real estate agent showing a home to a couple.
Make sure to enjoy your home search and don’t settle for just anything

DQTs (Diana’s Quick Tips)

  1. Homes can be perfect in more than one way
    • Remember, you may not find the “perfect” home in your search. However the homes you find may have all the potential you need and with the “perfect” touch you can make it everything you ever wanted.
  2. Enjoy your search but be smart while doing so
    • There is no problem riding through neighborhoods on a sunny day looking for homes. This can be quite refreshing and exciting. Nevertheless, remember a good Realtor® will set you up on a drip email plan and alert you as soon as home hits the market that fits your criteria. Online searching can help you cover a lot of ground and helps tremendously with your research.
  3. Don’t give up
    • At times the market can seem challenging and you may feel like you will not find a home. Don’t give up! Keep trying and keep working with your Realtor®.

Reminder: Don’t settle for just anything, but a good home with potential can turn into the dream home you always wanted. 

Now that the home you desired is in sight and you see a path ahead for you to make it yours, what do you do now? Make an offer! How do you do that? We’ll consider this in our next article.

You’re on your way! Let’s get started!!!

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