When you're pre-qualified for a loan and armed with a list of your wants and needs, you're ready to start shopping for a home. You have many options at this point; you can go it alone or find a real estate agent. Whichever you choose, consider finding the neighborhoods you prefer first and then tailor your search toward them.
The real estate phrase "location, location" is paramount in your home search. Finding a comfortable neighborhood is of utmost importance. Drive around your area throughout the week and on weekends to get a feel for the different neighborhoods and subdivisions. Narrow your search to neighborhoods that seem to fit your lifestyle. Do you have kids and are looking for a subdivision with young families? Are you retiring and want places close to golf and tennis? Do you want a condominium complex that allows you freedom from yard work? Choosing the right neighborhood is almost more important than choosing the right home.
Once you've decided on a few areas, choose whether you will shop by yourself of with an agent.
If you want to look on your own, begin by searching the classified ads; look at home magazines and drive around the neighborhoods that interest you, looking for "For Sale" signs. Then, call for appointments. You also can spend weekends taking advantage of open houses.
Real estate agents have a bigger advantage than the do-it-yourselfer because they have access to the multiple listing service (MLS), a computer database of all available area homes for sale. They also may know "pocket listings," homes not in the MLS, but are contracted for sale. And, they may know of homes that are not on the current market, but whose owners are interested in selling.
Take your time in looking for a home. The average homebuyer tours between seven and 10 properties before making an offer. Some look at as many as 30. Go slowly, this is likely to be one of your life's biggest purchases.
