Once all your financial preparations are out of the way and you’ve selected your REALTOR it’s time to go shopping! Make yourself a “value expert” by researching and investigating local properties to get an idea of your preference. Some things you can do:
Take a Drive. Get to know the neighbourhoods, complexes, subdivisions, which interest you. Drive around and get a feel for what it would be like to own a property in the area or your commuting time to and from your work location. Note the things that are highlights for you such as schools, shopping centres, transportation, playgrounds, etc. Start getting a sense of the properties available in those areas. Ask your agent to take you on a “property tour”, pointing out the upsides and downsides of each one so you can consider all the factors before making a decision.
Narrow Your Search. Share with your REALTOR your research and items that are important to you. Be sure about what you want. Select a few properties that interests you the most and arrange with your agent to make appointments to visit them. Ask your agent about the MLS System Listings so that you are aware of all existing and new listings that meet your requirements and the property’s potential long term resale value.
Time to Buy. Once you have picked out the property you want to purchase, your real agent can help you make an offer. A systemized approach to the home buying process can help you steer clear of many common and costly mistakes of paying too much for the home you want or losing your dream home to another buying or worse, buying a the wrong home.