How to Start your Home Search

Searching for a home can be a long, frustrating process. But, it doesn’t have to be. As a prospective home buyer, there are steps you can take to help ensure a smooth transaction.

Get an Agent This might seem like the first and obvious choice, but so many start their home search online months before contacting an agent. This might make the process confusing. A real estate agent has access to properties (via the MLS and off-market listings) and can hone in on more specific listings that fit the parameters of your search. Why do all the work, when an agent is there to do it for you? Your agent can make the searching phase of the process easier by showing you homes within your budget and that check off most (or all) of your wish list. Speaking of budget…

Get Pre-approved Most real estate agents won’t show properties to prospective clients without a pre-approval letter from a lender. Once you decide on an agent to work with, you should meet with your preferred lender (or ask your agent for recommendations) and get a pre-approval letter. This letter will state the amount you will qualify for a loan, which will allow your agent to confidently show houses that will fit within your budget, and to make an offer on the house you fall in love with, without waiting or second-guessing. Without this letter, your offer may not be accepted, and you may miss out on an opportunity.

Make a List of Wants/Needs Another important step is to make a list of what you want to have and what you need to have in your home. Your wants list will include any amenities, features, designs, fixtures, etc that you want your house to have. They may be negotiable if you do find a house you love – as you can always customize it later on. Your needs list will contain anything that is an absolute must; and, your agent will show you properties that meet your needs list. It’s important to differentiate between the two lists so as to better narrow down which homes are right for you.

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