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| legs to eliminate stale and out of date | | | | |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