0 Buyer's Guide: The House Hunt

Now that you have your dream team in place and have a better idea of what you are looking for in your next home, it is time to go out and find it!

Choose your favorites. With your priority list in mind, your Realtor can begin sorting through the homes currently on the market and suggesting properties for you to consider. In addition, you can search through listings online. This will allow you to explore the real estate market a bit on your own before selecting which homes you would like to see with your Realtor.

Your Realtor may also know of houses that are not yet for sale but may be in the near future. Your Realtor's connections with other real estate professionals and knowledge of the market are valuable tools in finding your ideal home.

Hit the pavement. Enough with the photos and online descriptions. Now is it time for you and your Realtor to take to the streets and view homes in person.

Dress comfortably. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. House-hunting can be tiring, especially if you're relocating to a distant community and want to see a dozen homes in one day. There's no sense in torturing your feet unnecessarily.

Take notes. Your Realtor should provide you with profile sheets detailing each property that you are viewing. Remember to jot down a few notes--after a long day of house hunting, the details may begin to run together!

Relax. Granted, buying a home is a major life-altering event, but it's not worth making yourself insanely stressed. While some buyers know their house the second they step inside, others may prefer to take a moment to compare notes on the different properties, especially if another person is involved in the final decision. Regardless, take time at the end of your house hunting expedition to unwind, calm your thoughts and emotions and keep the whole experience in perspective.

Check back soon for Part 4: Making an Offer!

-Eric