When trying to find a home, it may be worthwhile to use a good real estate agent or realtor. Because of the Internet, agents are losing their exclusive access to available properties. But their knowledge of the business, the local housing market, and professional contacts can be invaluable.  The agent will also be very useful in explaining the home buying process and guiding you in regards to the contract.

If you are going to use a real estate agent, look for someone who does it as a full-time occupation and is therefore more knowledgeable about the market. Even more important than their experience is your sense of their honesty and integrity. Since agents work for a commission and have an incentive to sell you a home as quickly as possible, only those who are dedicated to understanding your needs and helping you find what you want will be assets.

To locate an agent in your area click here.

Set Your Priorities – “What Do I Want in a New Home?”
When looking for your new home, it is very helpful to prioritize the following:

1. “What features do I absolutely need?”
2. “What features would be nice to have?”

Preparing a list with a column of things you really need the house to have and a column of things that would be nice to have will greatly help to narrow your home choices.

Here is a list with a few items to help get you started, but feel free to add your own:

• Number of bedrooms
• Number of bathrooms
• Size of the home
• Future needs
• Basement
• Master-on-the-main
• Number of stories
• Deck
• Patio
• Size of backyard
• Size of the lot
• Price
• Exterior of home
• Age of the home
• Pool
• Neighborhood amenities
• Location to work
• School district
• Fireplace
• Alarm system
• Sidewalks
• Energy efficient
• Warranty
• Garden tub
• Size and features of the kitchen
• Location to nearby businesses and shopping

Once you have prepared your list, finding the perfect home will become much easier!

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