Time for one of those more helpful real world topics. Are you thinking about moving? Where are you doing your home shopping? Have you talked to a REALTOR? Have you spoken to a mortgage officer about getting a loan, or learning about alternate methods of financing? What about looking into neighborhoods and school systems? While your REALTOR can help you in all of these areas, having a working knowledge of each of these areas will facilitate a more productive conversation with your agent.
A quick google search will bring up plenty of local brokers and agents websites that will search your local MLS (multiple listing system). While these sights are all searching the same place (depending on your location and how your MLS is organized) not all agents websites are created equal. You want to find one that is simple to use, has a quick search feature, and gives access to mapping and satellite images. Also, the good ones will have links for school systems, crime statistics, and other information pertaining to the area. Some sites will force you to sign up after spending a certain amount of time on their site or after viewing a specific number of pages. If you complete a sign up form on an agents website and they don’t get ahold of you within a day or so move on. There are many agents who keep close eye on their sites traffic and get immediate notifications when someone logs onto their site. A good search site will allow you to search for specifics about a property and allow you to make changes to your search criteria without starting over. Quick driving directions are helpful to if you plan on driving around and seeing properties for yourself before you contact an agent.
After you have searched around for different agents or brokers websites and chosen one to use, it is time to research the agent(s). Most likely, the website will have a link to learn a little more about your agent. Having a little bit of background knowledge about the person who is going to help you make the biggest financial investment you are going to make is only prudent. It also helps you find some common ground between you and your agent.
This is a good start if are just beginning to look for a new home. We will continue with this topic soon, as well as beginning to find financing for you home as well.
