Searching for Homes/Property
So, there are a lot of ways to search for homes/properties. You can let your real estate agent do the search for you, but you could search on your own as well. Your agent can even send you a link for the FlexMLS portal where you can communicate with your agent on which homes/properties you are interested in. You can browse this on your laptop/desktop, or you can download the FlexMLS for Homebuyers app to browse using your mobile phone. A link for how to get started is attached below to help you through the process, it includes helpful videos. Keep in mind that anything not on the listing that you may want to know about, you can reach out to your agent. Then your agent can either contact the listing agent or the city office etc. to find out the information you need.
Online is not the only place you can search for properties. You can find properties listed in local newspapers or find for sale by owner signs while driving by a property. Your agent can help you with for sale by owner properties but keep in mind that a lot of times the seller lists the home for sale by owner to avoid paying an agent's commission in order to save money. What this means is that if they won't agree to pay your agent's commission, then you will have to cover that. Sometimes the seller is willing to split the cost of your agent's commission with you. Also keep in mind that for sale by owner homes are priced according to what the seller thinks their home should be worth instead of pricing it according to what homes in the area are actually worth. If the seller were listing their home using a real estate agent's help, the agent would be able to do a CMA which would compare the home to similar homes in the area. CMA's help the agent to decide on what price to list the home at to make sure it is reasonable.
Once you have homes/properties that you are interested in viewing, you and your agent can set up days/times to view them either in person or by video. Your agent can do a live video using Zoom etc. or they can do a recorded video that you can access later when you have free time. Just work all the details out with your agent to find the way that is best for you. Also did you know that agents can even set up a 3-D virtual tour? Some agents automatically share these with their listings but if the listing doesn't show this, you can ask your agent if they could provide a 3-D virtual tour for you.
Now you went to a few showings for different homes, and you are having a hard time making a decision. What can you do? Sometimes taking a 2nd tour of a previously viewed home is enough to help make up your mind. You can bring a trusted friend or family member along that may notice something that you did not notice the first time which can help narrow down your decision. Don't be afraid to ask for a 2nd tour! This is a big decision; you will want to be sure you made the best choice.
Don't forget to check out the link below! Happy searching!
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