Back HomeHow to leverage online resources when house hunting
We all know how hard house hunting can be.
Scouring through listings that all seem to blend together, attending open houses and not finding enough boxes to tick, and dealing with the sinking feeling that you may not ever find your dream home are scenarios homebuyers are prey to.
How to up your chances of achieving your real estate goals? The help of a local Realtor is invaluable – but so is diligent research. We’ll help you use three of our favorite online resources and make your hunt for a new home manageable and also more enjoyable!
THE DIGITAL GATEWAY TO YOUR DREAM HOME
- Listing sitesListing sites are a step ahead of traditional listing services, thanks to the comprehensive data they provide. You will find everything from essential details like cost and number of rooms, to in-depth insights like ratings of nearby schools and local neighborhood facts, all in one easy-to-access location. Some sites even have apps for your smartphone, making it easier to search as you go.Just make sure that you choose a site that uses multiple listing services (MLS) to gather data, so you don’t get too invested in a property that’s already out of the market.
Pro tip: Browse the website of local Realtors to check out the houses for sale in the communities you’re interested in.
- Virtual toursVirtual tours give you a feel for the property without being there physically. You can view photos and videos of every room, check out the layout, get a 360-degree look at the exterior, and in some cases, view the lay of the land through drone videos and photos.Some tours even include interactive floor plans, so you can visualize how furniture would fit in each space. You can save yourself time and energy by narrowing down your choices through virtual tours before scheduling any in-person visits.
Pro tip: Use virtual tours to scope out houses but view properties in person before making a decision.
- User reviews and ratingsRound out your research by reading user reviews and ratings on various platforms. Don’t expect every review to be objective – just pay attention to frequently mentioned yays and nays. They might just be the key to uncovering potential issues or hidden benefits that haven’t come up in your initial research.Pro tip: If you have questions while browsing the listings on a local Realtor’s website, get in touch with them directly if you have questions about a property you’re interested in.
FINISHING THE JOB: 3 TIPS FOR CLOSING THE DEAL
To make sure you end up with your dream home, here are our top 3 tips to help you seal the deal!
- Embrace the virtual, but validate with realityVirtual tours are revolutionizing house hunting, offering an inside view from the comfort of your home. But remember that what you see online is just a snapshot. You still need to be physically present to validate your online impressions with your in-person experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask those nagging questions and get a true feel for the place.
- Stay grounded and keep an open mindIt can be tempting to fall in love with the first house or location that appeals to you, but don’t restrict yourself to one option. Embracing flexibility can open up a wider range of possibilities, and may lead you to discover other choices that could be more suitable for your needs in the long term.Losing out on the basement or den you’ve always wanted might just be worth it if you find a better yard or community. Remember, your dream home may not always align with your initial vision. Just trust the process and be open to possibilities outside of your wish list.
- Master the art of negotiationArmed with insights gleaned from online resources, you are now in a strong position to negotiate with home sellers. As you enter into these discussions, remember to consult your real estate agent who has the expertise to balance assertiveness with fairness.Overly aggressive lowball offers can alienate sellers and halt negotiations in their tracks. Aim for a solution that is fair to all concerned. You never know when a little flexibility can turn the tide in your favor!
If you’d like to know your Brazos County property search options in Central Texas, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty is here for you. Drop us a line or call us at 979.694.8844 to get one step closer to your dream home!
