Why You Need Help Finding That Perfect House
Buying a house is one of the most significant purchases you’ll make in your lifetime, but finding the right home can feel overwhelming. With over 5 million existing homes sold in the U.S. last year alone, how do you sort through all the options to find your dream home? The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. There are several effective strategies to help you efficiently find your ideal house for sale.
Whether you utilize online listing sites, work with an experienced real estate agent, drive around neighborhoods you like, or try other recommendations, having a plan in place makes finding that perfect house much more achievable. Read on to learn key tips that will transform your home search from stressful to successful. With the right approach, you’ll be moving into your new home before you know it!
Use Online Listing Sites
Today there are many useful websites that provide comprehensive listings of homes for sale in any given area. These sites are excellent resources for home buyers to get an overview of what’s available on the market. Some of the most popular national listing sites to check when looking for houses for sale near me include:
- Realtor.com – This site provides one of the most robust databases of property listings in the US. You can search for homes for sale by location, price, features, and more. Realtor.com has information on both MLS-listed and non-MLS properties.
- Zillow – In addition to home listings, Zillow provides estimated home values (Zestimates), aerial photos, local information, and more. They have a large inventory of homes for sale, rentals, new construction, foreclosures, and more.
- Redfin – Redfin is a full-service real estate brokerage that also provides an online search portal for home buyers. Their site includes high-res photos, 3D tours, floor plans and detailed listing information. Redfin also has unique tools like cost of home ownership calculators.
- Trulia – Trulia gathers listings from multiple sources into one searchable database. Listings contain extensive information as well as neighborhood demographics, crime stats, school data, and local amenities. Their site also features affordability tools.
The great thing about these national listing sites is you can easily browse homes that meet your criteria from the comfort of your home. Once you find houses you’re interested in, you can work with a local real estate agent to tour the homes and learn more.
Work with a Local Real Estate Agent
Working with a local real estate agent can hugely benefit home buyers. An experienced agent deeply understands the local real estate market and can help you find homes that meet your needs and budget.
Some key benefits of working with a real estate agent include:
- Access to MLS listings – Agents have access to MLS (Multiple Listing Service) databases of home listings that aren’t available on public sites like Zillow. This gives you a much more comprehensive selection of homes to consider.
- Negotiation expertise – Agents are skilled negotiators who can help you submit competitive offers and negotiate the best price and terms. This is especially important in hot housing markets.
- Knowledge of the area – A local agent will be familiar with each neighborhood, including school districts, average home values, crime rates, and development plans. This helps you find the ideal location.
- Smooth process – Real estate transactions involve many paperwork, deadlines, and legal requirements. An agent guides you through every step, handling communications and details on your behalf.
- Access to homes – Agents can arrange viewings and provide access to homes not yet listed publicly or, at times, outside of public open houses. This gives you an edge over other buyers.
- Objective guidance – Since they aren’t emotionally invested, agents can provide objective insights to help you weigh the pros and cons and make a smart buying decision.
With an experienced local real estate agent on your side, you can find your dream home as quickly and seamlessly as possible. They have the expertise and connections to make your home search a success.
Drive Around Desired Neighborhoods
One of the most effective ways to find homes for sale is to simply drive around the neighborhoods you’d like to live in and look for “for sale” signs. This allows you to get a first-hand look at what homes are on the market in your desired area.
As you drive around, look for those little yard signs that real estate agents place out front of homes they have listed. The signs will generally include the agent’s name and phone number. Jot down the addresses of any homes that catch your eye so you can look them up later and schedule a showing.
Driving around desired neighborhoods allows you to get a feel for things like:
- What types of homes are available (size, style, age, etc.)
- General price ranges
- Proximity to amenities like schools, parks, etc.
You may come across great homes that aren’t even listed online yet. Some sellers opt for just a yard sign rather than paying for online listings. So pounding the pavement can unveil hidden gems.
The key is to take thorough notes on addresses and agent contact info as you explore neighborhoods. Then follow up on the most appealing homes and schedule showings. Driving around firsthand gives you an invaluable perspective as you search for your perfect home.
Talk to Friends and Neighbors
Word of mouth can be one of the most useful ways to find houses for sale near you. Ask friends, family members, coworkers, and other people you know if they’ve seen any houses for sale in neighborhoods you’re interested in.
Even if the people you talk to haven’t seen specific for-sale signs, they may know of someone planning to sell soon. This kind of insider information can help you get a jump start on places that will hit the market before they’re officially listed.
Friends who have recently bought homes can provide recommendations on which real estate agents were most helpful and best to work with. Those who know the area well can point out the pros and cons of specific blocks and neighborhoods.
Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth – you never know what useful nuggets of information you’ll uncover just by talking to those in your personal and professional circles. A conversation over coffee could lead you to your dream home.
Check Classified Ads
Classified ads in local newspapers and magazines can be a great way to find houses for sale that may not be listed on the major real estate sites. Many homeowners still like to advertise their property through their local paper.
Scan through the real estate and classified sections in your city or neighborhood’s print publications. Look for classified ads from owners stating “For Sale by Owner” or “FSBO.” Some newspapers and magazines also have online classified sections you can search through.
Checking classifieds allows you to find hidden gem properties that slipped under the radar of realtors. Owners may be more motivated to sell when they don’t have to pay real estate commissions. Be sure to still have any property you find inspected and appraised. But classified ads give more options, especially for finding affordable homes and off-market deals.
Keep your search broad by looking at papers covering the entire metro area in case widening your geography opens up possibilities. But also focus closely on your desired neighborhoods or suburbs by checking their local papers. Perform weekly searches as new listings appear continuously. And don’t forget niche papers – for example, a military base newspaper if you have that tie. Cast a wide net by perusing all classified sources possible.
Attend Open Houses
One of the best ways to see inside homes for sale in neighborhoods you’re interested in is to attend open houses. Open houses allow potential buyers to tour homes on their own time without feeling pressured. They are usually held on weekends and are a great opportunity to get a feel for different homes, neighborhoods, and real estate agents.
When you go to an open house, take your time walking through the home. Pay attention to layout, finishes, backyard space, and other features. Ask the agent questions about the home and neighborhood. See if you click with the agent and would want to work with them in your home search. Many buyers meet the agent who ultimately helps them purchase their home at an open house.
Open houses are also a way to network with neighbors and others house hunting in the area. Strike up conversations with others touring homes to get insights on the neighborhood. You may even discover homes for sale that are not on the MLS by talking with others.
Attending open houses is free and comes with no obligations. It allows you to get a sneak peek at homes on the market, meet local agents, and get a better sense of the types of homes available in your target locations. Spending a few weekends touring open houses can really help kickstart and focus your home search.
Work with a Buyer’s Agent
One of the best ways to find homes for sale is to work with a buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent is a real estate agent that works specifically with home buyers, not home sellers. This is important because it means the buyer’s agent has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest as the buyer.
The main benefits of working with a buyer’s agent include:
- Access to MLS listings – Buyer’s agents have access to MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings that contain detailed information on homes for sale, often before they are available to the public on sites like Zillow or Realtor.com. This gives you a jump start on new listings.
- Local market expertise – A local buyer’s agent will have in-depth knowledge of the neighborhoods, home values, schools, and more for your area. They can help you determine if a home is priced right and good value.
- Negotiating experience – Buyer’s agents are skilled negotiators who can help you submit winning offers and negotiate the best possible price and terms on your dream home.
- Handling paperwork – There’s lots of paperwork in real estate transactions. A buyer’s agent will handle all the contracts, disclosures, and other documentation for you.
- Access to homes and showings – Buyer’s agents can schedule showings and open houses for you to view homes. Their relationships with listing agents can get you access to homes not widely marketed yet.
Finding the right buyer’s agent is key. Look for an experienced full-time real estate professional with recently closed buyer transactions and positive reviews. Interview a few agents before choosing one you trust. Then, lean on your buyer’s agent to help you find and buy the perfect home efficiently!
Be Flexible
When house hunting, it’s important to be flexible and willing to compromise on some of your must-have features. Only some homes on the market will perfectly match every item on your wish list. Focus instead on finding a home that meets your most important needs and criteria.
For example, you may need to compromise on square footage, backyard size, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, or certain amenities. Consider which features are absolute dealbreakers versus those you’re willing to be flexible on. This will expand your options.
Prioritize the location, overall layout and flow of the home, and structural condition over having every desired upgrade or luxury finish. Cosmetic changes like paint colors, flooring, and countertops can be changed later to suit your taste. However, you can’t easily alter the home’s location or footprint.
Remain open-minded when viewing homes in person. You may find a layout you didn’t initially consider ends up functioning very well. Or certain features may not be as important as you first thought. Let go of preconceived notions.
Finding the perfect home takes patience and a willingness to compromise. Work closely with your real estate agent to determine where you have flexibility. This will help broaden your search and increase the chances of finding a home you’ll be happy with.
Conclusion
When looking for houses for sale near me, the most effective strategies are to use online listing sites like Zillow and Redfin to get an overview of what’s available in your target area and price range. Work with an experienced local real estate agent who can help you identify suitable properties and negotiate effectively on your behalf. Drive around neighborhoods you’re interested in to spot for-sale signs and get a feel for the area. Talk to friends, neighbors, and colleagues about homes that will soon hit the market. Check classified ads in local newspapers and magazines for listings. Attend open houses to view properties and meet local agents. Consider working with a buyer’s agent who solely represents your interests. Remain flexible on criteria like location or layout if it means finding the perfect home within your budget. With persistence and a systematic approach, homebuyers can successfully find great houses for sale near where they want to live. The key is casting a wide net by utilizing online and offline resources and working with a knowledgeable real estate professional.
