“Come on Jill, can’t we just mark off some of these checkpoints?” asked Jack  “Can’t we just move on?  After all we KNOW how to search for a home.” Jack said in frustration.  “We, as in you, may THINK we/you know how to search for a home, but I don’t see us living in one.”  Jill quickly responded.  “Jack, it’s time you play the part of the wise old owl and listen, do not speak while I read to you”

#4 Search & Search & Search Some More

Homes that are FOR SALE are marketed in many, many, many different ways.  Ok, so here’s just a few: magazines and the internet.  The homes you find on the internet or in magazines may have already been sold.  The ads for a real estate magazine are typically gathered a month before it hits the shelf at your local grocery store.  You would think the internet would be up to date because….”if it’s on the internet it must be true and accurate”.  The problem with that is a lot of the websites that post homes for sale don’t move the homes from Active(available to be bought) to NOT AVAILABLE(sold or under contract).  This can make for a very frustrating home search.  The best way to combat this is to contact a REALTOR.  They have access to the most current information that is not available to the general public, which includes those fancy, national real estate websites.

Another way homes are marketed is through an OPEN HOUSE.  You’ve seen the signs and you may have even seen the reality Real Estate shows on television.  It’s a good way to view a home, but you should not depend on it as your only way to search for a homes.  Not all open houses are posted on the internet or listed in the local paper, some are just a sign in the yard and that’s it.  You could waste a lot of gas looking for an open house to view.  Again, your best bet is to contact a REALTOR and they will be able to provide you witht he most current information.

When you meet with that potential REALTOR ask if they can set up a home search that meets your needs.  When they say “of course” take the time to discuss the things that you have to have in your new home…….location, school, size, price(as determined by your visit with a lender), bedrooms, etc.  Some REALTORS even have a mobile search website for your smart phone.  But don’t just rely on that search!!!!!  Search and Search and Search some more.  You can always drive the neighborhood before you call your REALTOR for the most updated information.  Do the neighbors take pride in their homes?  Did you hear a train near-by?  Is that a plane flying overhead…really low?  Search, search and search some more.  You heard from a co-worker who had a friend that told them that a home in such and such neighborhood was for sale and it wold be great for you.  Give your REALTOR that subdivision and let them provide you with a list of the homes for sale in that subdivision.  Lastly it’s ok to change your search criteria, that’s why it’s ok for you to continue to search, while your REALTOR created search is specific to your needs when it was set up.  You may decide that you “can’t live without” a study or that you “really, really” want a hard counter surface for the kitchen.  Use all your tools available and keep your ears and eyes open……your next home may be right around the corner.

“Can I speak now?” Jack said timidly “Yes, Jack, I was only trying to make a point.”  smiled Jill  “You know I have been seeing a lot of FOR SALE signs lately Jill.  I didn’t realize that it was because we are in the process.”  Jack stated.  “I’ve noticed the same thing, signs, television ads, even REALTORS names on cars.”  Jill responded.  “I wonder how we will find our home?”  said Jack  “We will find our home by looking together my dear, and looking and looking and looking.”  Jill whispered.  And they fell asleep with dreams of home searching dancing in their heads and they were eager to read the next checkpoint entitled:

“Jack and Jill Keep an Open Mind: The Home Buyer Checklist You’ve Been Looking for (6 of 15)”

We hope you’re enjoying our series and that if helps you on your way to……………………………

Live Life to the Fullest,

S.C.