Once you are ready to begin a home search, type in the geographic area in which you are interested and you will be deluged with potential sites to visit. A quick check through some of them will help you to eliminate those that either don’t apply or are lacking in the content you need.
If this is your first time, you will be amazed at the information available. You can choose from dozens of real estate companies, and immediately begin previewing homes. Many of the sites will even provide a map of the area with each home’s location pin pointed. You can check the proximity of major highways, shopping, schools, churches, etc. and pick weed out those homes in undesirable or inconvenient areas. You’ll be able to get neighborhood and crime statistics and even check a homes location in relation to current or proposed hazardous waste or other undesirable sites.
Real estate websites are improving daily and many offer listings across the country. It’s good to try a few of these, but you should also check with some local real estate companies who will have comprehensive, locally oriented websites. Local sites will generally provide much more information for your particular area than the national ones. Through the Internet you can contact an agent, if desired, and make arrangements to begin a physical tour.
While the majority of homes for sale will be listed on real estate web sites, you’ll miss about 20 to 25 percent if you don’t check the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sites. Sites such as ForSaleByOwner.com will offer thousands of possibilities, and don’t forget Craigslist where thousands more owners and agents list their properties.
Many of the sites will allow you to sign up for free alerts so that you will instantly be aware when new properties are listed. Sign up. You can then monitor the ever-changing market in your area of interest. I also recommend that you review the various sites and blogs for current information on mortgage trends and other pertinent housing information that will allow you to keep up to date.
Some Helpful sites are listed below:
www.thehousingguru.com -- comprehensive information on buying and selling homes
www.activerain.com -- real estate blog site
www.Zillow.com -- home listings and information
www.homegain.com -- housing prices nationwide
www.annualcreditreport.com -- free copies of your credit reports
www.mortgagecalc.com -- calculators for mortgages, debt, wealth, etc.
www.disastercenter.com -- crime statistics by state/city
www.Realtor.com -- Realtor information/homes for sale
www.craigslist.com -- homes for sale
www.realtytrac.com -- foreclosure listings
www.forbuyers.com -- buyer’s agent information
www.nachi.org -- home inspection information
www.ashi.com -- home inspection information
www.buyowner.com -- for sale by owner listings
www.atsdr.cdc.gov -- info and locations of toxic and hazardous waste sites
Finally, don’t try to use the Internet as an “end all” tool. It’s not. You will still need professional guidance. The Internet is a fabulous resource, and the information you’ll discover can boost you on your way to becoming a savvy home buyer; but it’s only part of the foundation, certainly not a complete structure.
The Housing Guru: The one source for all your housing questions
