| When you're looking for a new home, it's almost | | | | priorities could change. So take advantage of a |
| like you've picked up a second job. And that's the | | | | realtor to help you sort through the numerous |
| way it should be. The time it takes to really | | | | homes for sale, but keep looking anyway. |
| evaluate the homes for sale in your desired area | | | | Assessing the Homes for Sale |
| is a good precursor for the financial investment | | | | Maybe you know exactly what you want in the |
| you are about to make. There are two main | | | | homes for sale that you tour. Or maybe you're |
| steps in your process of finding appropriate | | | | still trying to decide what your highest priorities |
| homes for sale. The obvious first one is to locate | | | | are. Older house, lower cost- newer house, less |
| them- not as simple as it sounds. The second | | | | maintenance? Since everyone's priorities are |
| step is to evaluate those homes for sale with a | | | | different, one of the best tools for assessing |
| good set of criteria. | | | | homes for sale is to create your own evaluation |
| Locating Ideal Homes for Sale | | | | form. Make it out by hand, or design a simple |
| The biggest problem isn't locating homes for sale, | | | | spreadsheet. But make a few copies of the form |
| it's locating the right homes for sale. You know | | | | and take it with to assess the homes for sale |
| the methods- drive through neighborhoods, online | | | | you are interested in. |
| MLS listings, work with a realtor, scan the | | | | Items to include on your Homes for Sale |
| classifieds, and stock up on real estate homes for | | | | Assessment Form: |
| sale magazines. The issue can be one of there | | | | - Structural and Maintenance concerns- Has the |
| being too many homes for sale to even know | | | | home been well maintained? Any signs of wood |
| where to start. Hiring a realtor can give you | | | | or water damage? Mold? |
| another set of legs to eliminate stale and out of | | | | - Amenities- Number of bedrooms and |
| date listings and other inappropriate properties. But | | | | bathrooms, kitchen and storage requirements, |
| don't think that hiring a realtor lets you off the | | | | yard care and size, extras like sunrooms, garages, |
| hook completely. Even if you do choose to work | | | | sheds or pool |
| with an agent, it will be in your best interest to | | | | - Locale- Proximity to schools, stores, busy |
| always be on the look out for homes for sale on | | | | streets, your job, your family, type of |
| your own. Here's why. | | | | neighborhood... |
| It's in your realtor's best interest to sell you the | | | | - Red flags- How does the property handle |
| pricier home. Now honestly, a difference of a few | | | | drainage? Are there dumps or industrial areas |
| thousands dollars may not make that big a | | | | nearby? Dangerous traffic areas, crash zones, |
| difference in commission. But even the most | | | | on-going construction? |
| honest realtor may not consider looking for deals | | | | Primarily knowing what you want and having a |
| below your stated price range of homes for sale. | | | | way to compare the homes for sale you visit will |
| The other factor is that only you really know | | | | put you in a better position to make your final |
| what you want in the homes for sale you see. | | | | buying decision. In the process of buying a home, |
| You may have told your realtor that you really | | | | it is the most informed buyers who end up happy |
| need 4 bedrooms. But once you see that | | | | homeowners. |
| sprawling lawn of an otherwise perfect 3/2, your | | | | |