Looking for a new home or investment property is no laughing matter and can be quite an undertaking with the search going long into the nights. Traditionally buyers had to contact their REALTOR® and provide search criteria and then wait for their REALTOR® to provide the search results. In the Twenty-first century things have all changed and buyers virtually have the same unrestricted access to the housing information.
Real Estate brokers across Washington are providing MLS (Multiple Listing Service) access via their website, and companies like Zillow, Redfin and HouseValues have entered the market to compete for a buyer’s eyeballs. But with all these new sources, how is the Snohomish County real estate buyer supposed to know where to go and or what to do? It is easy and here are 5 ways to make the home search easier.
1. Register for a MLS Search, we recommend ours.
After registering a buyer will have access to two special features, Save Search and Favorites. These features automatically send emails with up-to-date results which will reduce the amount of time and eliminate the searching through endless pages of results which may or may not be the right. Set parameters and make it convenient as well as easy to get the information you need when you need it.
2. Work closely with a local REALTOR® who knows specializes in your type of real estate.
Even though a MLS Search feature with produce timely information it is just as important to be working with a REALTOR®. Why? Because access to the complete list of properties is controlled by the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service) and it is a common myth that all NWMLS homes can be found on one single website. Companies have opted out of programs to restrict where their listings can be viewed. So this leaves the one true access to all the properties in the hands of the REALTORS® who are also in constant communication with land owners, commercial and residential real estate owners. The knowledge that a REALTOR® possess of land and property availability is not restricted to the NWMLS because they know many people that would entertain an offer if the price is right. This gives a buyer a distinct advantage over buyers who may not be working with a REATLOR®.
3. Review Newspapers
Local newspapers, Herald, Little Nickel and city newspapers, still invest heavily in the Sunday real estate section. Here you can also research homes and REALTORS® focus in a particular area, and in our case Snohomish County.
4. Review Free Publications
Check out free publications that offer an assortment of new homes and resales which buyers can look through: New Homes Magazine, The Real Estate Book, Homes & Land and New Home Guide are just to name a few. The magazines vary in scope and provide a wide selection to keep a buyer looking.
And lastly…
5. Drive around and look for Open Houses
Take a day during the weekend, Sunday is the best day, and drive around looking for Open Houses. It would be best to pick a specific area or one city to conduct the drive around search since gas is not cheep. Check local papers for Open House dates and some real estate website to see if there are any open house listings to make the search easier and more focused.
The home search process takes time and typically a buyer will search for months before the home purchase decision is made. It would be nice if finding a home took just a few minutes but that is not the case. The home buying process is one of the most important financial decisions a family can make and getting a head start on it is the best way to reduce anxiety of a major purchase.
4 Comments
Toby there are lots of different vehicles for a buyer to look at homes today. Finding a good Realtor who can give you access to MLS along with great advice about a specific area and it’s homes would be the best avenue.
I agree Bill, this is just but a short list to assist buyers who may not know where to start. The real estate industry has many sources, some new some old, but it always good to have a REALTOR® that is a excellent negotiator and who listens to the buyers needs while providing professional consultation, even if it is not the information the buyer wants to hear.
Toby I coudn’t agree with you more. There are too many Realtors who do not consult but do what is best for their own pocketbook.
The consultation an experienced REALTOR® can provide to clients is invaluable and what I think many do not offer their clients. Sometime clients tend to guide the REALTOR® instead of the other way around and become “yes” people to clients. Then professional consultation stops which is unfortunate.