Top Tips For House Hunting Online
Hunting for a new home online is a great place to start your search but keep in mind that you don’t see everything. Real estate agents are great at highlighting the features of a listing online but to make the most of your time, please keep these things in mind: Identify Your Housing Needs Preferences are important when house searching. A house may not have everything you want but it will have most of the things. Be realistic about pricing and keep in mind the must-have items that will definitely be needed because this will help narrow your search. Stay Up To Date When you start your search, make sure you go to sites with up-to-date listings directly from the multiple listing service. Real estate agents post their most current homes for sale through this. Many sites fail to remove listings that are already off the market, and this can lead to you trying to sort through them and find the recent ones. Pictures Can Be Deceiving Photographers capture listings at their best. They use different strategies and tools to boost the appeal of the home like creative editing and expensive camera equipment known for its effects. What they don’t show is unappealing parts, like an undone bathroom or small closet. Go See The Listing After After you have chosen a house that’s appealing to you, schedule a showing with your real estate agent. This is the opportunity to see every part of the house in person and see if it’s a good fit.
What Are Your Real Estate Goals?
Invariably, the first time you meet or speak to your real estate agent, the same prompt starts the conversation: “tell me about yourself and your real estate goals.” Seems simple enough to answer. “I need more space” or “I’m ready to downsize” are common answers. While these answers may be at the heart of the decision for change, they neglect to provide the concrete data your agent needs to identify the right prospective homes. This in turn leads to frustration and wasted time and energy—on both sides—and ultimately will not help find the best housing option for you. Before meeting with your agent, consider the specifics of what you need. For example, when explaining that you need more space, be specific about what that means. Do you need more bedrooms for a home office or a new baby? Would you like to have a larger kitchen or a bigger yard? In other words, what does “space” mean to you? Discuss specifics about your lifestyle as well. Would one “great room” be a better configuration than separate living and dining areas? Would you like to live close to a park or school? Would you value a private, gated community? These are just a few of the specifics your agent needs to know. Your agent wants to provide you the best options to tour; not only is that a good use of your time, but theirs as well. There is no reason to see 25 homes each weekend if only 4 of them suit your needs. By having clearer conversations upfront, you can save valuable time and find the right home faster.
The Internet Can’t Replace Your Agent
We live in the information age; the Internet offers advice on every topic and real estate is no exception. With more and more homebuyers starting their home search online, they are bombarded with advice and information. It can be easy to think that you can learn everything you need to know just by reading articles online. The truth is your real estate agent does much more than answer your questions and open doors with a special key. A real estate agent will be there every step of the way. They have the experience necessary to navigate the complicated homebuying process and solve common hiccups that present themselves in every real estate transactions. Your real estate agent is a local professional. They will start by presenting themselves to the seller's agent as someone who will work with them to see the transaction through to a successful conclusion. They have a network of professionals who will work as a team to help you through the process. These include professionals such as lenders, title reps, escrow officers, transaction coordinators, home inspectors, contractors and handymen, among others. Most importantly, your real estate agent is your ally in the homebuying process. They negotiate on your behalf armed with experience and understanding of customary charges, costs and terms. They will also ensure that the price you pay for the home is fair for the condition and neighborhood as well as negotiate repairs, if needed, and make sure you are protected with the proper contingencies. The Internet offers lots of great information, but the most important step you can take when buying a new home, is hiring a real estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can’t be found by reading an article or two online.
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